Blocking core fucosylation of TGF-β1 receptors downregulates their functions and attenuates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells

• DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00426.2010
• Publication Date: 2011-01-13T03:21:43Z
• Authors: Hongli Lin; Dapeng Wang; Taihua Wu; Cui Dong; Nan Shen; Yuan Sun; Yanling Sun; Hua Xie; Nan Wang; Lujuan Shan
• Keywords: Fucosylation; Fucosyltransferase

Posttranslational modification of proteins could regulate their multiple biological functions. Transforming growth factor-β receptor I and II (ALK5 TGF-βRII), which are glycoproteins, play important roles in the renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In present study, we examined role core fucosylation TGF-βRII ALK5, is regulated by α-1,6 fucosyltransferase (Fut8), process EMT cultured human proximal epithelial (HK-2) cells. The typical cell model induced TGF-β1 was constructed to address EMT. Core found be essential for both ALK5 fulfill functions, blocking it with Fut8 small interfering RNA greatly reduced phosphorylation Smad2/3 protein, caused inactivation TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling, resulted remission More importantly, even high levels expressions TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, also attenuate HK-2 Thus may independently expression these proteins. This study provide new insight into glycosylation interstitial fibrosis. Furthermore, a novel potential therapeutic target treatment