Molecular fingerprinting of the podocyte reveals novel gene and protein regulatory networks

Kidney Int. 2013 Jun;83(6):1052-64. doi: 10.1038/ki.2012.487. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Abstract

A thorough characterization of the transcriptome and proteome of endogenous podocytes has been hampered by low cell yields during isolation. Here we describe a double fluorescent reporter mouse model combined with an optimized bead perfusion protocol and efficient single cell dissociation to yield more than 500,000 podocytes per mouse allowing for global, unbiased downstream applications. Combining mRNA and miRNA transcriptional profiling with quantitative proteomic analyses revealed programs of highly specific gene regulation tightly controlling cytoskeleton, cell differentiation, endosomal transport, and peroxisome function in podocytes. Strikingly, the analyses further predict that these podocyte-specific gene regulatory networks are accompanied by alternative splicing of respective genes. Thus, our 'omics' approach will facilitate the discovery and integration of novel gene, protein, and organelle regulatory networks that deepen our systematic understanding of podocyte biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Cell Separation
  • Computational Biology
  • Gene Expression Profiling* / methods
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genotype
  • Luminescent Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Phenotype
  • Podocytes / metabolism*
  • Proteomics* / methods
  • Signal Transduction* / genetics

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • MicroRNAs