Aim: To explore the dynamic expression and significance of Notch1 in the human kidney tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation (KTECT)induced by TGF-β(1);.
Methods: Normal human kidney epithelial cell line (HK-2) was cultured and then divided into blank group, and TGF-β(1);(10 ng/mL) induced group. At the 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the morphologic changes of HK-2 cells were observed under an inverted phase contrast microscope. The expression of α-SMA, E-cadherin and Notchl as well as their mRNA were examined by immunohisto-chemistry staining and RT-PCR respictively.
Results: Compared with the normal control group, the expression levels ofα-SMA and Notchl markedly increased in TGF-β(1); induced group (P<0.05), but the expression of E-cadherin obviously reduced(P<0.05). The expression of Notch1 protein and its mRNA was positively correlated to the expression ofα-SMA(r(protein);=0.958; r(mRNA);=0.944; P<0.05), and was negatively correlated to the expression of E-cadherin(r(protein);=-0.937; r(mRNA);=-0.921; P<0.05).
Conclusion: Notch1 may participate in the KTECT induced by TGF-β(1);.