Blood Flow Velocity Analysis in Cerebral Perforating Arteries on 7T 2D Phase Contrast MRI with an Open-Source Software Tool (SELMA).

Blood flow velocity in the cerebral perforating arteries can be quantified in a two-dimensional plane with phase contrast magnetic imaging (2D PC-MRI). The velocity pulsatility index (PI) can inform on the stiffness of these perforating arteries, which is related to several cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, there is no open-source analysis tool for 2D PC-MRI data from these small vessels, impeding the usage of these measurements.

Endothelial-specific deletion of connexin 43 improves renal function and structure after acute kidney injury.

Background: We have previously reported that the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) was upregulated in chronic renal disease in humans and rodents and plays a crucial role in the progression of experimental nephropathy. In this study, we investigated its role after renal ischemia/reperfusion (rIR), which is a major mechanism of injury in acute renal injury (AKI) and renal transplant graft dysfunction.

Methods: Wild-type mice (WT) and mice in which Cx43 expression was genetically reduced by half (Cx43 ±) were unilaterally nephrectomized.

The role of the tricellular junction protein ILDR2 in glomerulopathies: Expression patterns and functional insights.

The tricellular tight junctions are crucial for the regulation of paracellular flux at tricellular junctions, where tricellulin (MARVELD2) and angulins (ILDR1, ILDR2, or LSR) are localized. The role of ILDR2 in podocytes, specialized epithelial cells in the kidney, is still unknown. We investigated the role of ILDR2 in glomeruli and its influence on blood filtration.

Super-resolved highly multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging for precise protein localization and podocyte ultrastructure.

Deep insights into the complex cellular and molecular changes occurring during (patho-)physiological conditions are essential for understanding the interactions and regulation of proteins. This understanding is crucial for research and diagnostics. However, the effectiveness of conventional immunofluorescence and light microscope, tools for visualizing the spatial distribution of cells or proteins, are limited both in resolution and multiplexity in complex tissues.

Signaling through cAMP-Epac1 induces metabolic reprogramming to protect podocytes in glomerulonephritis.

Unlike classical protein kinase A, with separate catalytic and regulatory subunits, EPACs are single chain multi-domain proteins containing both catalytic and regulatory elements. The importance of cAMP-Epac-signaling as an energy provider has emerged over the last years. However, little is known about Epac1 signaling in chronic kidney disease.