Role of CD2-associated protein in podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria induced by angiotensin II.

Podocytes are highly differentiated epithelial cells that form interdigitating foot processes with bridging slit diaphragms (SDs) that regulate renal ultrafiltration. Proteinuria is the most common clinical manifestation of glomerular diseases. Losartan is the traditional renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However; the precise mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of Losartan on podocytes are still unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that podocytes were exposed to Angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce apoptosis and Proteinuria. Losartan directly reduces the rate of apoptotic podocytes induced by Ang II. Our results showed that apoptotic podocytes may be related to the decrease of CD2AP mRNA and protein expressions, Losartan reduced the apoptosis and Proteinuria by stabilizing the CD2AP mRNA and protein expressions. In this study, we explored the role of CD2-associated protein in podocyte apoptosis and Proteinuria induced by Ang II. Our findings provide some possible clues for further exploring the pharmacological targets to the proteinuria.