Podocyte-specific deletion of dicer alters cytoskeletal dynamics and causes glomerular disease

SJ Harvey, G Jarad, J Cunningham… - Journal of the …, 2008 - journals.lww.com
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding the 3′ untranslated region of
mRNAs. To define their role in glomerular function, miRNA biogenesis was disrupted in
mouse podocytes using a conditional Dicer allele. Mutant mice developed proteinuria by 3
wk after birth and progressed rapidly to end-stage kidney disease. Podocyte pathology
included effacement, vacuolization, and hypertrophy with crescent formation. Despite normal
expression of WT1, podocytes underwent dedifferentiation, exemplified by cytoskeletal …