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Background: The cell-matrix adhesion between podocytes and the glomerular basement membrane is essential for the integrity of the kidney's filtration barrier. Despite increasing knowledge about the complexity of integrin adhesion complexes, an understanding of the regulation of these protein complexes in glomerular disease remains elusive., Methods: We mapped the in vivo composition of the podocyte integrin adhesome. In addition, we analyzed conditional knockout mice targeting a gene ( Parva ) that encodes an actin-binding protein (α-parvin), and murine disease models. To evaluate podocytes in vivo , we used super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, multiplex immunofluorescence microscopy, and RNA sequencing. We performed functional analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-generated PARVA single knockout podocytes and PARVA and P ARVB double knockout podocytes in three- and two-dimensional cultures using specific extracellular matrix ligands and micropatterns., Results: We found that PARVA is essential to prevent podocyte foot process effacement, detachment from the glomerular basement membrane, and the development of FSGS. Through the use of in vitro and in vivo models, we identified an inherent PARVB -dependent compensatory module at podocyte integrin adhesion complexes, sustaining efficient mechanical linkage at the filtration barrier. Sequential genetic deletion of PARVA and PARVB induces a switch in structure and composition of integrin adhesion complexes. This redistribution of these complexes translates into a loss of the ventral actin cytoskeleton, decreased adhesion capacity, impaired mechanical resistance, and dysfunctional extracellular matrix assembly., Conclusions: The findings reveal adaptive mechanisms of podocyte integrin adhesion complexes, providing a conceptual framework for therapeutic strategies to prevent podocyte detachment in glomerular disease., (Copyright © 2022 by the American Society of Nephrology.)

Background: Previous research demonstrated that small Rho GTPases, modulators of the actin cytoskeleton, are drivers of podocyte foot-process effacement in glomerular diseases, such as FSGS. However, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory networks of small Rho GTPases in podocytes is lacking., Methods: We conducted an analysis of podocyte transcriptome and proteome datasets for Rho GTPases; mapped in vivo , podocyte-specific Rho GTPase affinity networks; and examined conditional knockout mice and murine disease models targeting Srgap1 . To evaluate podocyte foot-process morphology, we used super-resolution microscopy and electron microscopy; in situ proximity ligation assays were used to determine the subcellular localization of the small GTPase-activating protein SRGAP1. We performed functional analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-generated SRGAP1 knockout podocytes in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures and quantitative interaction proteomics., Results: We demonstrated SRGAP1 localization to podocyte foot processes in vivo and to cellular protrusions in vitro . Srgap1 fl/fl *Six2Cre but not Srgap1 fl/fl *hNPHS2Cre knockout mice developed an FSGS-like phenotype at adulthood. Podocyte-specific deletion of Srgap1 by hNPHS2Cre resulted in increased susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced nephropathy. Detailed analysis demonstrated significant effacement of podocyte foot processes. Furthermore, SRGAP1 -knockout podocytes showed excessive protrusion formation and disinhibition of the small Rho GTPase machinery in vitro . Evaluation of a SRGAP1-dependent interactome revealed the involvement of SRGAP1 with protrusive and contractile actin networks. Analysis of glomerular biopsy specimens translated these findings toward human disease by displaying a pronounced redistribution of SRGAP1 in FSGS., Conclusions: SRGAP1, a podocyte-specific RhoGAP, controls podocyte foot-process architecture by limiting the activity of protrusive, branched actin networks. Therefore, elucidating the complex regulatory small Rho GTPase affinity network points to novel targets for potentially precise intervention in glomerular diseases., (Copyright © 2021 by the American Society of Nephrology.)