The accumulation of advanced glycation end products is implicated in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease. No study has examined whether stimulating advanced glycation clearance via receptor manipulation is reno‐protective in diabetes. Podocytes, which are early contributors to diabetic kidney disease and could be a target for reno‐protection.
To examine the effects of increased podocyte oligosaccharyltransferase‐48 on kidney function, glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and proteome (PXD011434), we generated a mouse with increased oligosaccharyltransferase‐48kDa subunit abundance in podocytes driven by the podocin promoter.
Despite increased urinary clearance of advanced glycation end products, we observed a decline in renal function, significant glomerular damage including glomerulosclerosis, collagen IV deposition, glomerular basement membrane thickening and foot process effacement and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Analysis of isolated glomeruli identified enrichment in proteins associated with collagen deposition, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. Ultra‐resolution microscopy of podocytes revealed denudation of foot processes where there was co‐localization of oligosaccharyltransferase‐48kDa subunit and advanced glycation end‐products.
Here, we present studies where we have selectively over‐expressed the gene encoding for OST48 within podocytes, a cell type intimately involved in the pathology of DKD. In this novel study, despite facilitating renal clearance of AGEs, overexpression of podocyte OST48 resulted in a decline in kidney function and significant glomerular damage and dysfunction exacerbated by diabetes. We have also identified for the first time the proteomic profiles detailing the mechanisms driving the decline in GFR and provided ultra‐resolution imaging visualizing the selective binding of AGE‐OST48 within the podocytes.