Comparative protein profiling of stretched (low) and non-stretched podocytes

Podocyte detachment due to mechanical stress is a common issue in hypertension-induced kidney disease. The present study investigated the proteome alterations in mechanically stretched podocytes, a model for glomerular hypertension in comparison to non-stretched cells. Conditionally immortalized differentiated podocytes were seeded on flexible silicon membranes of a six well plate, which was mounted on a manifold connected to a custom-built stretch apparatus (NIPOKA GmbH, Greifswald, Germany), which induced cyclic pressure variations resulting in upward and downward motion of the silicone membranes. Pressure amplitude was chosen to give a maximum up- and downward deflection of the membrane centre of 6 mm (low stretch).