A novel SGLT is expressed in the human kidney.

Selective inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)-mediated reabsorption of glucose in the proximal tubule of the kidney are being developed for the treatment of diabetes. SGLT2 shares high degree of homology with SGLT3; however, very little is known about the expression and functional role of SGLT3 in the human kidney. Indeed, the SGLT2 inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials might affect the expression and/or the activity of SGLT3.

A 4.1-Mb congenic region of Rf-4 contributes to glomerular permeability.

The combined transfer of two renal function quantitative trait loci (QTLs), Rf-1 (rat chromosome 1) and Rf-4 (rat chromosome 14), from the Fawn-hooded hypertensive rat onto the August Copenhagen Irish genetic background significantly increases proteinuria and demonstrates an interaction between these QTLs. Because the original Rf-4 congenic region is 61.9 Mbp, it is necessary to reduce this interval to feasibly search for variants responsible for renal susceptibility in this region.

Sox factors transcriptionally regulate ROBO4 gene expression in developing vasculature in zebrafish.

Despite their importance as members of the Roundabout (Robo) family in the control of axonal and vascular patterning, the transcriptional regulation of these genes is poorly understood. In this study, we show that members of the Sry-related high mobility box (Sox) transcription factor family as being transcriptional regulators of roundabout4 (robo4), a Robo gene family member that participates in sprouting angiogenesis in vivo, in zebrafish. Double whole mount in situ hybridization analysis in zebrafish embryos revealed co-localization of the vascular relevant Sox factors sox7 or sox18 mRNA with robo4 transcripts in developing intersomitic vessels.

A fluorescence method for measurement of glucose transport in kidney cells.

Background: Diabetes may alter renal glucose reabsorption by sodium (Na(+))-dependent glucose transporters (SGLTs). Radiolabeled substrates are commonly used for in vitro measurements of SGLT activity in kidney cells. We optimized a method to measure glucose uptake using a fluorescent substrate, 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG).

Cadmium down-regulation of kidney Sp1 binding to mouse SGLT1 and SGLT2 gene promoters: possible reaction of cadmium with the zinc finger domain of Sp1.

Cadmium (Cd) exposure causes glucosuria (glucose in the urine). Previously, it was shown that Cd exposure of primary cultures of mouse kidney cells (PMKC) decreased mRNA levels of the glucose transporters, SGLT1 and SGLT2 and that Sp1 from Cd-exposed cells displayed reduced binding to the GC boxes of the mouse SGLT1 promoter in vitro. Here, we identified a GC box upstream of mouse SGLT2 gene.