Downregulation of the antioxidant protein peroxiredoxin 2 contributes to angiotensin II-mediated podocyte apoptosis

Podocytes have a significant role in establishing selective permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. Sustained renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation is crucial to the pathogenesis of podocyte injury, but the mechanisms by which angiotensin II modulates podocyte survival due to physiological or injurious stimuli remain unclear. Here, we used proteomic analysis to find new mediators of angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury. Antioxidant protein peroxiredoxin 2 expression was decreased in cultured podocytes stimulated with angiotensin II. Peroxiredoxin 2 was found to be expressed in podocytes in vivo, and its expression was decreased in the glomeruli of rats transgenic for angiotensin II type 1 receptors in a podocyte-specific manner, or in rats infused with angiotensin II. Downregulation of peroxiredoxin 2 in podocytes resulted in increased reactive oxygen species release, protein overoxidation, and inhibition of the Akt pathway. Both treatment with angiotensin II and downregulation of peroxiredoxin 2 expression led to apoptosis of podocytes. Thus, peroxiredoxin 2 is an important modulator of angiotensin II-induced podocyte injury. Kidney International (2011) 80, 959-969; doi:10.1038/ki.2011.250; published online 3 August 2011