2011 August

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The β8 integrin chain is expressed in the kidney in both glomerular mesangial cells (MC) and in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, α8 integrin-deficient mice display structural abnormalities in renal glomeruli but not in renal arteries. Comparison of MC and VSMC from wild-type and a8 integrin-deficient mice revealed that the lack of α8 integrin brought about profound morphological alterations in MC but had no effects on VSMC. It is speculated that the dramatic changes in cell morphology and cytoskeletal proteins expression and localization observed in α8 integrin-deficient MC might be a consequence of the altered expression of other integrins displayed by these cells and might explain why renal glomeruli and arteries are differentially affected by the lack of α8 integrin. Shown is the immunofluorescent double staining for F-actin (green) and vinculin (red) in wild-type mesangial cells.

Taken from: Andrea Hartner et al., 2010, BMC Cell Biology [View article]

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