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

Abstract

The nephrocyte is the structural and functional equivalent of a human podocyte in Drosophila melanogaster, particularly the slit diaphragm. The nephrocyte was used to determine the relationship between nephrotic function, the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons, and their shared binding proteins. Of 18 shared binding proteins between the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons, the knockdown of Pigs results in the most dramatic phenotype. Immunofluorescent staining was used to see morphological differences in actin, tubulin, dual actin and tubulin binding protein, and insulin signaling genes. This information can be used to aid further research into causes and solutions to renal diseases such as Nephrotic Syndrome and Diabetic Nephropathy