Abstract: TH-PO584
Discovery of Epigenetic Substances for the Treatment of FSGS Using Zebrafish Larvae as an In Vivo Model
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: Omics, Biomarkers, and Tools
October 24, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1401 Glomerular Diseases: Mechanisms, including Podocyte Biology
Authors
- Endlich, Nicole, Universitatsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
- Schindler, Maximilian, Universitatsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
Background
Podocytes are essential cells of the glomerulus that maintain the size selectivity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Injury to these postmitotic cells is a major cause of FSGS often resulting in end-stage kidney disease. To date, no specific drugs or compounds have been discovered to protect podocytes, underscoring the significant unmet need for drug development. Our group recently established a high-content in vivo screening assay to discover potential drugs and compounds to treat FSGS. For this purpose, we used zebrafish larvae that develop a filtering glomerulus within 4 days and we analyzed the effect of epigenetic substances after the induction of FSGS.
Methods
A transgenic zebrafish screening strain expresses the bacterial enzyme nitroreductase as well as the fluorophore mCherry exclusively in podocytes. Furthermore, the expression of a circulating 78 kDa vitamin-D-binding fusion protein with eGFP provides a readout for the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier in the vasculature. Addition of the prodrug Nifurpirinol (NFP) to the water results in a specific podocyte injury, a loss of mCherry in the glomerulus and a decreased eGFP fluorescence between 4 and 6 days post fertilization (dpf). After 6 dpf, larvae develop proteinuric edema and classical hallmarks of FSGS due to podocyte injury. These readouts were utilized in a rapid, imaging-based screening of an epigenetic drug library as reported in Schindler et al. 2023. Drugs and compounds that prevent a loss of fluorescence or the development of edema were further validated.
Results
The screening of epigenetic drugs revealed that PTACH as well as the substances MN876 and MN119 showed a high potency to alleviate larval FSGS and exhibited a prolonged protective effect on podocytes.
Conclusion
We have identified three promising new drugs/compounds for the treatment of FSGS in zebrafish larvae that are currently under validation in mammalian FSGS models.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support