Figure 3. Gene expression indicates podocyte mechanotransduction can induce a pro-differentiation phenotype.

Expression levels of six genes associated with podocyte differentiation and/or function were measured using qRT-PCR to test podocyte phenotype, namely: WT-1, KIRREL, SYNPO, NPHS1, NPHS2 and CD2AP. Colors in the heatmap represent the ratios of differential expression versus control. Four of the six genes showed upregulation on gels with different elastic moduli. Average fold-changes for these genes were 3.2, 7.5, 6.6, and 1.7 on the gels of 0.6 kPa, 2 kPa, 5 kPa, and 13 kPa, respectively.