Molecular determinants of protein reabsorption in the amphibian kidneys

Abstract

Participation of molecular determinants of endocytosis in the processes of glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption of albumin and lysozyme in the mesonephros of grass frogs (Rana temporaria L.), lake frogs (Rana ridibunda P.), and newts (Triturus vulgaris L.) is investigated. In all studied species, the constitutive expression of endocytic receptors in proximal tubule (PT) cells is established using immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. The certain stages of lysozyme and albumin endocytosis involving megalin/LRP2, cubilin, clathrin and protein Rab11 are detailed, and the central role of ligand-induced megalin/LRP2 activity in this process is shown. Increased ligand-induced expression for clathrin and Rab11was also found. In grass frogs, the different patterns of endocytic receptors and both absorbed proteins in the initial parts of proximal tubules suggest the proximo-distal specialization of absorptive processes along these tubule segments, similar to this in more complex mammalian nephrons. This data, as well as the revealed peculiarities of ligand-receptor interactions during intracellular trafficking of proteins prove that megalin is mainly involved in the absorption of lysozyme. At the same time, albumin absorption is mediated by both receptors, or cubilin contributes the most. The detection of endocytic receptor in glomerular structural elements in frogs and newts suggests the participation of filtration barrier components in endocytosis of filterable proteins. The results represent a new contribution to the study of the fundamental mechanisms of renal protein uptake in the amphibian mesonephros as a more primitive kidney compared to mammalian metanephros.

Keywords: Amphibians; Endocytic receptors; Kidney; Protein reabsorption; Proximal tubule.