Fig. 4: ROCK2 modulates the cGMP pathway. | Communications Biology

Fig. 4: ROCK2 modulates the cGMP pathway.

From: Deletion of podocyte Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 protects mice from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Fig. 4

a The experimental protocol to prepare samples for high throughput RNA-sequencing. Cultured podocytes were treated with vehicle (DMSO) or ROCK2 inhibitor (SLx-2119). The number of regulated genes (b) and a volcano plot (c) of differentially expressed genes in podocytes based on log (fold change) > 2 with adjusted p < 0.05. d Results of a gene-set enrichment analysis (p value top 20). FC, fold change. e Rgs2 expression levels in podocytes treated with vehicle (DMSO) or SLx-2119 (n = 3). f Podocytes were transfected with control siRNA (siCtrl) or ROCK2 siRNA (siR2) to investigate Rgs2 mRNA levels (n = 3). g Rgs2 mRNA levels in primary podocytes (n = 3). h RGS2 protein levels in ADR-stimulated podocytes. i RGS2 protein levels in the kidney of SLx-treated mice (n = 4, 5). j Representative microphotographs and the quantification of TUNEL-positive apoptotic podocytes. Podocytes were pretreated with siRNA against RGS2 before stimulation with ADR. The scale bar on the top left represents 50 μm (n = 3). k Functional network demonstrating the relationship between ROCK2 and RGS2 in podocytes (https://hb.flatironinstitute.org/; maximum number of genes, 15). l A schematic summary of key findings. In the setting of FSGS, podocyte ROCK2 is upregulated with proteinuria. ROCK2 inhibition prevents the loss of podocytes by recovering RGS2 signaling. *p < 0.05. Data represent the mean ± s.e.m.

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