Expression And Significance Of Integrin-linked Kinase In Cultured Cells, Normal And Diseased Tissues Of Aging Rat Kidneys

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an integrin-binding cytoplasmic protein that has been implicated in the regulating numerous cellular processes and fibronectin (Fn) deposition through mediated integrin, but the expression and significance of ILK in aging kidney have not been reported. We reported here the mRNA and protein expression of ILK were increased in primary cultured mesangial and tubular epithelial cells, and normal and unilateral ureteral obstruction kidney tissues in 28-month-old rats than that in 3-month-old rats, moreover, accompany by over-expression of Fn and integrin-β₁ in aging kidney, by means of Northern blot, Western blot, and immunofluorescent double staining, immunohistochemistry. In addition, in the primary cultured kidney cells, ILK expression was positively correlated with senescence-associated β-gal positive staining, negatively correlated with cellular proliferation. The results suggested that ILK might be involved in fibrotic process or senescent process in aging kidney.