The nephrocyte actin and tubulin cytoskeleton networks model slit diaphragm structural defects pertaining to podocyte pathogenesis (a)

Abstract

The nephrocyte is the Drosophila melanogaster equivalent of a human podocyte. Use the nephrocyte to determine the relationship between nephrotic function, the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons, and their shared binding proteins. RNA-seq, functional readouts, and immunofluorescent stains were conducted to understand the roles of each gene. 14 shared binding proteins between the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons, with Pigs causing the most dramatic phenotype. This information can be used to aid further research into causes and solutions to renal diseases such as Nephrotic Syndrome.