# Role of myosin 1e in podocyte biology and renal filtration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $503,706

## Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health concern in the US and
worldwide. Myosin 1e (Myo1e), an actin-dependent motor protein expressed in
glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes), is necessary for normal glomerular
filtration in humans and mice. Myo1e is one of the components of the slit diaphragms,
protein complexes that connect adjacent podocytes and play a key role in selective
protein filtration in the glomerulus. Inactivating mutations in Myo1e are associated with
focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), one of the leading causes of end stage
renal disease.
 In this proposal, we will determine how actin-dependent motor activity of Myo1e
contributes to the maintenance of normal glomerular architecture and functions. We
hypothesize that Myo1e is necessary for podocyte adaptation to the changes in their
environment, including changes caused by high blood pressure and other pathological
conditions, via its role in regulating membrane tension and slit diaphragm stability. In this
application, we propose to study the role of Myo1e in tension generation and slit
diaphragm turnover using innovative biophysical and cell biological approaches. In Aim
1, we will determine how Myo1e-mediated tension regulates podocyte activity and allows
podocytes to adapt to the changing environment within the glomerulus under normal and
pathological conditions. In Aim 2, we will dissect Myo1e role in regulating slit diaphragm
assembly and turnover. In Aim 3, we will analyze the mechanisms responsible for
regulation of Myo1e expression and activity. These studies will help determine how
mutations in Myo1e contribute to development of FSGS and provide better
understanding of the regulation of podocyte structure and function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10003216
- **Project number:** 5R01DK083345-10
- **Recipient organization:** UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mira Krendel
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $503,706
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-15 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10003216

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10003216, Role of myosin 1e in podocyte biology and renal filtration (5R01DK083345-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10003216. Licensed CC0.

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