title: Molecular mechanisms of receptor-mediated endocytosis in the renal proximal tubular epithelium.
abstract: Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a pivotal function of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) to reabsorb and metabolize substantial amounts of proteins and other substances in glomerular filtrates. The function accounts for the conservation of nutrients, including carrier-bound vitamins and trace elements, filtered by glomeruli. Impairment of the process results in a loss of such substances and development of proteinuria, an important clinical sign of kidney disease and a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Megalin is a multiligand endocytic receptor expressed at clathrin-coated pits of PTEC, playing a central role in the process. Megalin cooperates with various membrane molecules and interacts with many intracellular adaptor proteins for endocytic trafficking. Megalin is also involved in signaling pathways in the cells. Megalin-mediated endocytic overload leads to damage of PTEC. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of megalin-mediated endocytosis and develop strategies for preventing the damage of PTEC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Molecular Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan. akisaito@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Hiroyoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Noriaki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Iino
authors.forename: Tetsuro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takeda
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004705:Endocytosis / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D026561:Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D026561:Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins