The Endocytic Receptor Megalin and its Associated Proteins in Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells

Membranes

Shankhajit De¹  Shoji Kuwahara² 

[1] Division of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; E-Mail:;Department of Applied Molecular Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; E-Mail:

关键词: ARH;    clathrin;    ClC-5;    cubilin;    endocytosis;    exosome;    megalin;    NHE3;    trafficking;   

DOI  :  10.3390/membranes4030333

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Receptor-mediated endocytosis in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is important for the reabsorption and metabolization of proteins and other substances, including carrier-bound vitamins and trace elements, in glomerular filtrates. Impairment of this endocytic process results in the loss of such substances and development of proteinuria, which is an important clinical indicator of kidney diseases and is also a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Megalin, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family, is a multiligand receptor expressed in the apical membrane of PTECs and plays a central role in the endocytic process. Megalin interacts with various intracellular adaptor proteins for intracellular trafficking and cooperatively functions with other membrane molecules, including the cubilin-amnionless complex. Evidence suggests that megalin and the cubilin-amnionless complex are involved in the uptake of toxic substances into PTECs, which leads to the development of kidney disease. Studies of megalin and its associated molecules will be useful for future development of novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.