Microvillar dynamic in renal tubular epithelial cells mediated by insulin/PLCγ signal pathway

Significant cellular morphology changes in renal tubules were observed in diabetes patients and animal models. However, the interaction between insulin and tubular epithelial cells microvillar structure remains obscure. To understand microvillar dynamics, we used Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope to visualize microvillar in the living cell. Here, we found two layers of microvilli on the tubular epithelial cell surface: short compact microvilli and netlike long microvilli. Insulin treatment could increase microvilli length and density. This process was mediated by the PI3K/PLCγ signaling pathway, other than the PI3K/Arp2/3 signal pathway. In conclusion, our findings present a novel insulin signaling transduction mechanism, which contributes to understanding renal tubular epithelial cell microvilli dynamic regulation. •Short compact microvilli and netlike long microvilli presented on the tubular epithelial cell surface.•Insulin treatment increased the density and length of netlike long microvilli.•The mechanism was mediated by the activation of PI3K/PLCγ, other than the PI3K/Arp2/3 signal pathway.