1. Academic Validation
  2. CK2α promotes advanced glycation end products-induced expressions of fibronectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 via activating MRTF-A in glomerular mesangial cells

CK2α promotes advanced glycation end products-induced expressions of fibronectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 via activating MRTF-A in glomerular mesangial cells

  • Biochem Pharmacol. 2018 Feb;148:41-51. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.12.002.
Zhiquan Chen 1 Qiuhong Chen 1 Junying Huang 1 Wenyan Gong 1 Yezi Zou 1 Lei Zhang 1 Peiqing Liu 2 Heqing Huang 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
  • 2 Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
  • 3 Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; National and Local United Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China. Electronic address: huangheq@mail.sysu.edu.cn.
Abstract

Advanced glycation end products' (AGEs) modification of extracellular matrix proteins induces crosslinking, which results in thickening of the basement membrane and activating several intracellular signaling cascades, eventually promoting the pathological progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We have previously confirmed that Casein Kinase 2α (CK2α) activates the nuclear factor of kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway to enhance high glucose-induced expressions of fibronectin (FN) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). However, to date, the mechanism by which CK2α regulates diabetic renal fibrosis is not fully understood. In view of the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis by myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), we are highly concerned whether CK2α promotes AGEs-induced expressions of FN and ICAM-1 in glomerular mesangial cells via activation of MRTF-A, thus affecting the pathogenesis of DN. We found that CK2α and MRTF-A proteins were overexpressed in AGEs-induced diabetic kidneys. Inhibition of CK2α kinase activity or knockdown of CK2α protein expression suppressed the upregulation of FN and ICAM-1 expressions in GMCs induced by AGEs. MRTF-A knockdown compromised the expressions of FN and ICAM-1 in GMCs induced by AGEs. Moreover, inhibition of CK2α kinase activity or knockdown of CK2α protein expression restrained the protein expression and nuclear aggregation of MRTF-A. CK2α interacted with MRTF-A. Furthermore, knockdown of MRTF-A while overexpression of CK2α blocked the upregulation effect of CK2α on the protein expressions of FN and ICAM-1. These findings suggest that CK2α promotes diabetic renal fibrosis via activation of MRTF-A and upregulation of inflammatory genes.

Keywords

CK2α; Diabetic nephropathy; Inflammation; MRTF-A.

Figures
Products
  • Cat. No.
    Product Name
    Description
    Target
    Research Area
  • HY-14394
    99.31%, CK2 Inhibitor