α-Parvin Defines a Specific Integrin Adhesome to Maintain the Glomerular Filtration Barrier.

Background: The cell-matrix adhesion between podocytes and the glomerular basement membrane is essential for the integrity of the kidney's filtration barrier. Despite increasing knowledge about the complexity of integrin adhesion complexes, an understanding of the regulation of these protein complexes in glomerular disease remains elusive.

Methods: We mapped the composition of the podocyte integrin adhesome. In addition, we analyzed conditional knockout mice targeting a gene () that encodes an actin-binding protein (α-parvin), and murine disease models. To evaluate podocytes , we used super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, multiplex immunofluorescence microscopy, and RNA sequencing. We performed functional analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-generated single knockout podocytes and and P double knockout podocytes in three- and two-dimensional cultures using specific extracellular matrix ligands and micropatterns.

Results: We found that is essential to prevent podocyte foot process effacement, detachment from the glomerular basement membrane, and the development of FSGS. Through the use of and models, we identified an inherent -dependent compensatory module at podocyte integrin adhesion complexes, sustaining efficient mechanical linkage at the filtration barrier. Sequential genetic deletion of and induces a switch in structure and composition of integrin adhesion complexes. This redistribution of these complexes translates into a loss of the ventral actin cytoskeleton, decreased adhesion capacity, impaired mechanical resistance, and dysfunctional extracellular matrix assembly.

Conclusions: The findings reveal adaptive mechanisms of podocyte integrin adhesion complexes, providing a conceptual framework for therapeutic strategies to prevent podocyte detachment in glomerular disease.