Figure 10.

Podocyte-specific RhoA deletion exacerbates the kidney phenotype of Rhophilin-1 null mice. (A–C) Body weights, albumin/creatinine (ACR), and serum creatinine of mice of the indicated genotypes at approximately 3 months of age (n=3 for each group). (D) Representative periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of kidneys isolated from mice of the indicated genotype at 3 months of age. Rhophilin-1 null glomeruli showed mesangial expansion and regions of foot process effacement. Kidneys from Rhophilin-1/pod-RhoA double ko mice presented glomerular segmental and global sclerosis accompanied by complete foot process effacement. Widespread tubule dilation and protein casts as well as focal areas of interstitial fibrosis were also evident. wt, wild-type. Scale bars, 50 μm in PAS images.