MTOR-Dependent Autophagy Regulates Slit Diaphragm Density in Podocyte-like Drosophila Nephrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Both mTOR signaling and autophagy are important modulators of podocyte homeostasis, regeneration, and aging and have been implicated in glomerular diseases. However, the mechanistic role of these pathways for the glomerular filtration barrier remains poorly understood. We used Drosophila nephrocytes as an established podocyte model and found that inhibition of mTOR signaling resulted in increased spacing between slit diaphragms. Gain-of-function of mTOR signaling did not affect spacing, suggesting that additional cues limit the maximal slit diaphragm density. Interestingly, both activation and inhibition of mTOR signaling led to decreased nephrocyte function, indicating that a fine balance of signaling activity is needed for proper function. Furthermore, mTOR positively controlled c

SUBMITTER: Spitz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9265458 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature