Epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activity contributes to the myofibroblastic phenotype and fibrosis

摘要

Epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activity is associated with the myofibroblastic phenotype in UUO kidneys. Enhanced expression of Ki67 in UUO kidneys determined by immunohistochemical staining. Bar = 50 μm. Upregulated Ki67 expression occurred in the tubules and interstitium of the kidney. Increased expression of Histone H3 (phosphor S10) and c-Myc in UUO kidneys determined by western blot. The mRNA expression levels of c-Myc and P53 were augmented in UUO kidneys determined by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression levels of Notch1 and NICD were elevated in UUO kidneys. Bar = 50 μm. NICD expression was upregulated in the tubules and interstitium of kidneys. mRNA microarray revealed enhanced expression of Notch1-associated genes in UUO kidneys. The expression levels of NICD, Notch1 and Jagged1 in UUO kidneys were increased. Increased mRNA expression levels of Hes1, Hes6, Hey1, Hey2, and Numb in UUO kidneys were observed. Elevated expression of Notch1, NICD and α-SMA determined by immunofluorescence staining in renal tubules and interstitium of CKD patients. All data are presented as means ± SDs.  **