Figure 1.

Podocyte injury is associated with CXCR4 induction and β-catenin activation in mouse models of proteinuric kidney diseases. (A-F) Western blot analyses of renal expressions of podocalyxin, SDF-1α, CXCR4, total and active β-catenin in different groups. Numbers (1, 2 and 3) represent different animals in a given group. Graphical representations of podocalyxin (B), SDF-1α (C), CXCR4 (D), total β-catenin (E) and active β-catenin (F) expressions in different groups as indicated. ^*P < 0.05 versus normal controls (n = 6), ^†P < 0.05 versus ADR 1 week (n = 6). (G) Serum levels of SDF-1α assessed by ELISA. The circulating levels of SDF-1α was assessed by a specific ELISA in different groups as indicated. ^**P < 0.01 versus normal controls (n = 6). (H) Representative micrographs show the expression and localization of SDF-1α and CXCR4 in mouse glomeruli after ADR injection. SDF-1α and CXCR4 expression in different groups was shown as indicated. Arrow indicates positive staining. Scale bar, 20 µm. (I) Colocalization of CXCR4 and β-catenin in the glomeruli at 3 weeks after ADR injection. Kidney sections were immunostained for CXCR4 and β-catenin. Colocalizations of CXCR4 and β-catenin in glomerular podocytes are indicated by arrows. Scale bar, 20 µm. (J) Colocalization of CXCR4 and β-catenin in the glomeruli of mouse models of proteinuric CKD. Kidney cryosections from different mouse models of proteinuric CKD as indicated were immunostained for CXCR4 (red) and β-catenin (green). Colocalizations of CXCR4 and β-catenin in glomeruli are indicated by arrows. Scale bar, 20 µm.