Cannabinoid receptor 2 expression in human proximal tubule cells is regulated by albumin independent of ERK1/2 signaling

Abstract

Background: The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is reduced in podocytes of animals and humans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with activation of CB2 ameliorating albuminuria in animals. As albuminuria also is due to proximal tubule dysfunction, the aim of this study is to investigate tubular expression of CB2 under diabetic conditions in addition to the cell signaling pathways that underlie these changes. Methods: We characterized total CB2 protein in diabetic animals and in Human Kidney 2 (HK2) cells exposed to elevated albumin and glucose, the levels of CB2 mRNA and protein. We also used latrunculin to determine if internalization of albumin was required to regulate CB2 levels. Fin..