Expression of nephrin in the human placenta and membranes

Abstract

Nephrin, the signature molecule in the podocyte of the glomerulus, which forms the renal slit diaphragm, the main functional unit of the glomerulus. This study focused on the expression of nephrin in the human placenta, which may also play a role in filtration and maintaining homeostasis. We prospectively studied 9 placentas from normal, healthy pregnant women in term. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed. The expression of the nephrin mRNA was relatively stronger in the chorion than in villi and amnion. The nephrin gene was detected in villous cytotrophoblast and the endothelium of intravillous vessels. It was also present in chorionic and amniotic membranous lining, with its distribution being particularly dense in the amniocytes. The discovery of nephrin in the human placenta, especially at the maternal–fetal interface, gives a new insight into the molecular basis of placental permselectivity and barrier, which needs further elucidation.