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Chambers BE, Weaver NE, Lara CM, Nguyen TK, Wingert RA. (Zebra)fishing for nephrogenesis genes. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2219605. [PMID: 37254823 PMCID: PMC11042071 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2219605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is a devastating condition affecting millions of people worldwide, where over 100,000 patients in the United States alone remain waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Concomitant with a surge in personalized medicine, single-gene mutations, and polygenic risk alleles have been brought to the forefront as core causes of a spectrum of renal disorders. With the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, it is imperative to make substantial strides in the field of kidney genetics. Nephrons, the core functional units of the kidney, are epithelial tubules that act as gatekeepers of body homeostasis by absorbing and secreting ions, water, and small molecules to filter the blood. Each nephron contains a series of proximal and distal segments with explicit metabolic functions. The embryonic zebrafish provides an ideal platform to systematically dissect the genetic cues governing kidney development. Here, we review the use of zebrafish to discover nephrogenesis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E. Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Nicole E. Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Caroline M. Lara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Rebecca A. Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
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2
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Schindler M, Endlich N. Zebrafish as a model for podocyte research. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F369-F381. [PMID: 38205541 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00335.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Podocytes, specialized postmitotic cells, are central players in various kidney-related diseases. Zebrafish have become a valuable model system for studying podocyte biology because they are genetically easy to manipulate, transparent, and their glomerular structure is similar to that of mammals. This review provides an overview of the knowledge of podocyte biology in zebrafish larvae, with particular focus on their essential contribution to understanding the mechanisms that underlie kidney diseases as well as supporting drug development. In addition, special attention is given to advances in live-imaging techniques allowing the observation of dynamic processes, including podocyte motility, podocyte process behavior, and glomerulus maturation. The review further addresses the functional aspects of podocytes in zebrafish larvae. This includes topics such as glomerular filtration, ultrastructural analyses, and evaluation of podocyte response to nephrotoxic insults. Studies presented in this context have provided important insights into the maintenance and resistance of the glomerular filtration barrier in zebrafish larvae and explored the potential transferability of these findings to mammals such as mice, rats, and most importantly, humans. The recent ability to identify potential therapeutic targets represents a promising new way to identify drugs that could effectively treat podocyte-associated glomerulopathies in humans. In summary, this review gives an overview about the importance of zebrafish as a model for podocyte-related disease and targeted drug development. It also highlights the key role of advanced imaging techniques in transparent zebrafish larvae, improving our understanding of glomerular diseases and the significant potential for translation of these findings to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nicole Endlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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3
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Wang L, Liang C, Zheng N, Yang C, Yan S, Wang X, Zuo Z, He C. Kidney injury contributes to edema of zebrafish larvae caused by quantum dots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168420. [PMID: 37963533 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Edema represents a notable outcome in fishes exposed to aquatic pollutants, yet the underlying etiology remains inadequately understood. This investigation delves into the etiological factors of edema formation in 7 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae following their exposure to InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), which was chosen as a prototypical edema inducer. Given the fundamental role of the kidney in osmoregulation, we used transgenic zebrafish lines featuring fluorescent protein labeling of the glomerulus, renal tubule, and blood vessels, in conjunction with histopathological scrutiny. We identified the pronounced morphological and structural aberrations within the pronephros. By means of tissue mass spectrometry imaging and hyperspectral microscopy, we discerned the accumulation of InP/ZnS QDs in the pronephros. Moreover, InP/ZnS QDs impeded the renal clearance capacity of the pronephros, as substantiated by diminished uptake of FITC-dextran. InP/ZnS QDs also disturbed the expression levels of marker genes associated with kidney development and osmoregulatory function at the earlier time points, which preceded the onset of edema. These results suggest that impaired fluid clearance most likely resulting from pronephros injury contributes to the emergence of zebrafish edema. Briefly, our study provides a perspective: the kidney developmental injury induced by exogenous substances may regulate edema in a zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luanjin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Cixin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Naying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Sen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chengyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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4
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Nakajima T, Imai A, Ishii C, Tsuruyama K, Yamanaka R, Tomooka Y, Saito S, Adachi N, Kohno S, Sato T. SMAD2/3 signaling regulates initiation of mouse Wolffian ducts and proximal differentiation in Müllerian ducts. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:37-50. [PMID: 37953493 PMCID: PMC10761927 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Male and female reproductive tracts develop from anterior intermediate mesoderm with similar differentiation processes. The anterior intermediate mesoderm develops into the mesonephros, and the Wolffian duct initiates by epithelialization in the mesonephros. The Müllerian duct invaginates from the coelomic epithelium of the cranial mesonephros for ductal formation and is then regionalized into proximal to caudal female reproductive tracts. In this study, we focused on the epithelialization of the Wolffian duct, initiation of the Müllerian duct, and the regionalization step of the Müllerian ducts as a continuous process. By using intermediate mesodermal cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells, we identified that inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling might be involved in the differentiation into mesenchymal cells, after which mesonephric cells might be then epithelialized during differentiation of the Wolffian duct. Aggregation of coelomic epithelial cells might be related to initiation of the Müllerian duct. Transcriptomic analysis predicted that consensus sequences of SMAD3/4 were enriched among highly expressed genes in the proximal Müllerian duct. SMAD2/3 signaling to regulate differentiation of the Wolffian duct was continuously activated in the proximal Müllerian duct and was involved in proximal and oviductal regionalization. Therefore, SMAD2/3 signaling may be finely tuned to regulate differentiation from initiation to regionalization steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadaaki Nakajima
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
- Department of ScienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
- Graduate School of NanobioscienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
| | - Akihiro Imai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
| | - Chihiro Ishii
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
| | - Kota Tsuruyama
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
| | - Risa Yamanaka
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Tomooka
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyo University of ScienceJapan
| | - Shinta Saito
- Department of ScienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
- Graduate School of NanobioscienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
| | - Noritaka Adachi
- Department of ScienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
- Graduate School of NanobioscienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Biological SciencesSt. Cloud State UniversityMNUSA
| | - Tomomi Sato
- Department of ScienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
- Graduate School of NanobioscienceYokohama City UniversityJapan
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5
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Koslow M, Zhu P, McCabe C, Xu X, Lin X. Kidney transcriptome and cystic kidney disease genes in zebrafish. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1184025. [PMID: 37256068 PMCID: PMC10226271 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1184025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition where fluid filled cysts form on the kidney which leads to overall renal failure. Zebrafish has been recently adapted to study polycystic kidney disease, because of its powerful embryology and genetics. However, there are concerns on the conservation of this lower vertebrate in modeling polycystic kidney disease. Methods: Here, we aim to assess the molecular conservation of zebrafish by searching homologues polycystic kidney disease genes and carrying transcriptome studies in this animal. Results and Discussion: We found that out of 82 human cystic kidney disease genes, 81 have corresponding zebrafish homologs. While 75 of the genes have a single homologue, only 6 of these genes have two homologs. Comparison of the expression level of the transcripts enabled us to identify one homolog over the other homolog with >70% predominance, which would be prioritized for future experimental studies. Prompted by sexual dimorphism in human and rodent kidneys, we studied transcriptome between different sexes and noted significant differences in male vs. female zebrafish, indicating that sex dimorphism also occurs in zebrafish. Comparison between zebrafish and mouse identified 10% shared genes and 38% shared signaling pathways. String analysis revealed a cluster of genes differentially expressed in male vs. female zebrafish kidneys. In summary, this report demonstrated remarkable molecular conservation, supporting zebrafish as a useful animal model for cystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Koslow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chantal McCabe
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Xueying Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Nguyen TK, Petrikas M, Chambers BE, Wingert RA. Principles of Zebrafish Nephron Segment Development. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010014. [PMID: 36976103 PMCID: PMC10052950 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrons are the functional units which comprise the kidney. Each nephron contains a number of physiologically unique populations of specialized epithelial cells that are organized into discrete domains known as segments. The principles of nephron segment development have been the subject of many studies in recent years. Understanding the mechanisms of nephrogenesis has enormous potential to expand our knowledge about the basis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and to contribute to ongoing regenerative medicine efforts aimed at identifying renal repair mechanisms and generating replacement kidney tissue. The study of the zebrafish embryonic kidney, or pronephros, provides many opportunities to identify the genes and signaling pathways that control nephron segment development. Here, we describe recent advances of nephron segment patterning and differentiation in the zebrafish, with a focus on distal segment formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Madeline Petrikas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brooke E Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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7
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Zhang PL, Macknis JK. Immunohistochemical Panels to Evaluate Important Immunophenotypes of Human Mesonephros. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:1-17. [PMID: 35289709 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2022.2045402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background. The immunophenotypes and potential excretory function of human mesonephros are not well studied. Methods. Five mesonephros specimens of human embryos from the 6th to 10th weeks of gestation were stained with immunohistochemical markers. Results. PAX8 was universally expressed in all renal tubules, while α-methyacyl-CoA racemase (AMACAR) was positive in proximal tubules and GATA3 was positive in distal tubular mesonephric structures. At the 8th weeks of gestation, the mesonephric glomeruli were characterized by opened glomerular capillary loops with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-positive glomerular basement membranes and GATA3-positive mesangial-like cells. By the 8th week, proximal tubules showed PAS-positive brush borders, indicating reabsorption capacity, and the proximal tubules also demonstrated positivity with kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), representing tubular response to injury. Conclusion. Our overall findings show detailed phenotypes of the glomerular and tubular structures of the mesonephros and indicate that at the 8th week of gestation, the mesonephros may carry out temporary excretory function before metanephros becomes fully functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping L Zhang
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Beaumont Labs, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Jacqueline K Macknis
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Beaumont Labs, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, USA
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8
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Corkins ME, Achieng M, DeLay BD, Krneta-Stankic V, Cain MP, Walker BL, Chen J, Lindström NO, Miller RK. A comparative study of cellular diversity between the Xenopus pronephric and mouse metanephric nephron. Kidney Int 2023; 103:77-86. [PMID: 36055600 PMCID: PMC9822858 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The kidney is an essential organ that ensures bodily fluid homeostasis and removes soluble waste products from the organism. Nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, comprise a blood filter, the glomerulus or glomus, and an epithelial tubule that processes the filtrate from the blood or coelom and selectively reabsorbs solutes, such as sugars, proteins, ions, and water, leaving waste products to be eliminated in the urine. Genes coding for transporters are segmentally expressed, enabling the nephron to sequentially process the filtrate. The Xenopus embryonic kidney, the pronephros, which consists of a single large nephron, has served as a valuable model to identify genes involved in nephron formation and patterning. Therefore, the developmental patterning program that generates these segments is of great interest. Prior work has defined the gene expression profiles of Xenopus nephron segments via in situ hybridization strategies, but a comprehensive understanding of the cellular makeup of the pronephric kidney remains incomplete. Here, we carried out single-cell mRNA sequencing of the functional Xenopus pronephric nephron and evaluated its cellular composition through comparative analyses with previous Xenopus studies and single-cell mRNA sequencing of the adult mouse kidney. This study reconstructs the cellular makeup of the pronephric kidney and identifies conserved cells, segments, and associated gene expression profiles. Thus, our data highlight significant conservation in podocytes, proximal and distal tubule cells, and divergence in cellular composition underlying the capacity of each nephron to remove wastes in the form of urine, while emphasizing the Xenopus pronephros as a model for physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Corkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - MaryAnne Achieng
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bridget D DeLay
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vanja Krneta-Stankic
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA; Program in Genes and Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Margo P Cain
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brandy L Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA; Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nils O Lindström
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rachel K Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas, USA; Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA.
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9
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Senarat S, Kettratad J, Pairohakul S, Ampawong S, Huggins BP, Coleman MM, Kaneko G. An update on the evolutionary origin of aglomerular kidney with structural and ultrastructural descriptions of the kidney in three fish species. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:1283-1298. [PMID: 35342946 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The kidney of fish contains numerous nephrons, each of which is divided into the renal corpuscle and renal tubules. This glomerular structure is the filtration unit of the nephron and is important for the kidney function, but it has been reported that the renal corpuscle was lost in at least four independent linages of fish (i.e., aglomerular kidney). In this study, the authors newly described renal structures for three species by histological and ultrastructural observations: two aglomerular kidneys from a seahorse Hippocampus barbouri and a toadfish Allenbatrachus grunniens and a glomerular kidney from a snake eel Pisodonophis boro. The renal development of H. barbouri was also described during 1-35 days after birth. In all species tested, the anterior kidney was comprised of haematopoietic tissues and a few renal tubules, whereas the posterior kidney contained more renal tubules. Although the glomerular structure was present in P. boro, light microscopic observations identified no glomeruli in the kidney of H. barbouri and A. grunniens. Ultrastructurally, abundant deep basal infoldings with mitochondria in the renal tubules were observed in A. grunniens compared to H. barbouri and P. boro, suggesting the possible role of basal infoldings in maintaining the osmotic balance. By integrating the results from the three species and comprehensive literature search, the authors further showed that 56 species have been reported to be aglomerular, and that the aglomerular kidney has evolved at least eight times in bony fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinlapachai Senarat
- Department of Marine Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang, Thailand
| | - Jes Kettratad
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supanut Pairohakul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brian P Huggins
- College of Natural and Applied Science, University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa M Coleman
- College of Natural and Applied Science, University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, Texas, USA
| | - Gen Kaneko
- College of Natural and Applied Science, University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, Texas, USA
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10
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Nishimura Y, Ishii T, Ando K, Yuge S, Nakajima H, Zhou W, Mochizuki N, Fukuhara S. Blood Flow Regulates Glomerular Capillary Formation in Zebrafish Pronephros. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:700-713. [PMID: 35721616 PMCID: PMC9136892 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0005962021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The renal glomerulus is a tuft of capillaries in Bowman's capsule and functions as a blood-filtration unit in the kidney. The unique glomerular capillary tuft structure is relatively conserved through vertebrate species. However, the morphogenetic mechanism governing glomerular capillary tuft formation remains elusive. METHODS To clarify how glomerular capillaries develop, we analyzed glomerular capillary formation in the zebrafish pronephros by exploiting fluorescence-based bio-imaging technology. RESULTS During glomerular capillary formation in the zebrafish pronephros, endothelial cells initially sprouted from the dorsal aorta and formed the capillaries surrounding the bilateral glomerular primordia in response to podocyte progenitor-derived vascular endothelial growth factor-A. After formation, blood flow immediately occurred in the glomerular primordia-associated capillaries, while in the absence of blood flow, they were transformed into sheet-like structures enveloping the glomerular primordia. Subsequently, blood flow induced formation of Bowman's space at the lateral sides of the bilateral glomerular primordia. Concomitantly, podocyte progenitors enveloped their surrounding capillaries while moving toward and coalescing at the midline. These capillaries then underwent extensive expansion and remodeling to establish a functional glomerular capillary tuft. However, stopping blood flow inhibited the remodeling of bilateral glomerular primordia, which therefore remained unvascularized but covered by the vascular sheets. CONCLUSIONS We delineated the morphogenetic processes governing glomerular capillary tuft formation in the zebrafish pronephros and demonstrated crucial roles of blood flow in its formation. Blood flow maintains tubular structures of the capillaries surrounding the glomerular primordia and promotes glomerular incorporation of these vessels by inducing the remodeling of glomerular primordia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nishimura
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Ando
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Yuge
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakajima
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Naoki Mochizuki
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigetomo Fukuhara
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Hoffmann S, Mullins L, Rider S, Brown C, Buckley CB, Assmus A, Li Z, Sierra Beltran M, Henderson N, Del Pozo J, De Goes Martini A, Sequeira-Lopez MLS, Gomez RA, Mullins J. Comparative Studies of Renin-Null Zebrafish and Mice Provide New Functional Insights. Hypertension 2022; 79:e56-e66. [PMID: 35000430 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The renin-angiotensin system is highly conserved across vertebrates, including zebrafish, which possess orthologous genes coding for renin-angiotensin system proteins, and specialized mural cells of the kidney arterioles, capable of synthesising and secreting renin. METHODS We generated zebrafish with CRISPR-Cas9-targeted knockout of renin (ren-/-) to investigate renin function in a low blood pressure environment. We used single-cell (10×) RNA sequencing analysis to compare the transcriptome profiles of renin lineage cells from mesonephric kidneys of ren-/- with ren+/+ zebrafish and with the metanephric kidneys of Ren1c-/- and Ren1c+/+ mice. RESULTS The ren-/- larvae exhibited delays in larval growth, glomerular fusion and appearance of a swim bladder, but were viable and withstood low salinity during early larval stages. Optogenetic ablation of renin-expressing cells, located at the anterior mesenteric artery of 3-day-old larvae, caused a loss of tone, due to diminished contractility. The ren-/- mesonephric kidney exhibited vacuolated cells in the proximal tubule, which were also observed in Ren1c-/- mouse kidney. Fluorescent reporters for renin and smooth muscle actin (tg(ren:LifeAct-RFP; acta2:EGFP)), revealed a dramatic recruitment of renin lineage cells along the renal vasculature of adult ren-/- fish, suggesting a continued requirement for renin, in the absence of detectable angiotensin metabolites, as seen in the Ren1YFP Ren1c-/- mouse. Both phenotypes were rescued by alleles lacking the potential for glycosylation at exon 2, suggesting that glycosylation is not essential for normal physiological function. CONCLUSIONS Phenotypic similarities and transcriptional variations between mouse and zebrafish renin knockouts suggests evolution of renin cell function with terrestrial survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Hoffmann
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Mullins
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Rider
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Now with DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, Switzerland (S.R.)
| | - Cara Brown
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte B Buckley
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Now with Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom (C.B.B.)
| | - Adrienne Assmus
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ziwen Li
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Sierra Beltran
- Centre for Inflammation Research (M.S.B., N.H.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research (M.S.B., N.H.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (N.H.)
| | - Jorge Del Pozo
- Veterinary Pathology, Royal (Dick)School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, United Kingdom (J.d.P.)
| | - Alexandre De Goes Martini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (A.D.G.M., M.L.S.S.-L., R.A.G.)
| | - Maria Luisa S Sequeira-Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (A.D.G.M., M.L.S.S.-L., R.A.G.)
| | - R Ariel Gomez
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (A.D.G.M., M.L.S.S.-L., R.A.G.)
| | - John Mullins
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science (S.H., L.M., S.R., C.B., C.B.B., A.A., Z.L., J.M.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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12
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Major AT, Estermann MA, Roly ZY, Smith CA. An evo-devo perspective of the female reproductive tract. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:9-23. [PMID: 34494091 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate female reproductive tract has undergone considerable diversification over evolution, having become physiologically adapted to different reproductive strategies. This review considers the female reproductive tract from the perspective of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). Very little is known about how the evolution of this organ system has been driven at the molecular level. In most vertebrates, the female reproductive tract develops from paired embryonic tubes, the Müllerian ducts. We propose that formation of the Müllerian duct is a conserved process that has involved co-option of genes and molecular pathways involved in tubulogenesis in the adjacent mesonephric kidney and Wolffian duct. Downstream of this conservation, genetic regulatory divergence has occurred, generating diversity in duct structure. Plasticity of the Hox gene code and wnt signaling, in particular, may underlie morphological variation of the uterus in mammals, and evolution of the vagina. This developmental plasticity in Hox and Wnt activity may also apply to other vertebrates, generating the morphological diversity of female reproductive tracts evident today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800. Australia
| | - Martin A Estermann
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800. Australia
| | - Zahida Y Roly
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800. Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800. Australia
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13
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Fédou C, Camus M, Lescat O, Feuillet G, Mueller I, Ross B, Buléon M, Neau E, Alves M, Goudounéche D, Breuil B, Boizard F, Bardou Q, Casemayou A, Tack I, Dreux S, Batut J, Blader P, Burlet-Schiltz O, Decramer S, Wirth B, Klein J, Saulnier-Blache JS, Buffin-Meyer B, Schanstra JP. Mapping of the amniotic fluid proteome of fetuses with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract identifies plastin 3 as a protein involved in glomerular integrity. J Pathol 2021; 254:575-588. [PMID: 33987838 DOI: 10.1002/path.5703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT) are the first cause of chronic kidney disease in childhood. Several genetic and environmental origins are associated with CAKUT, but most pathogenic pathways remain elusive. Considering the amniotic fluid (AF) composition as a proxy for fetal kidney development, we analyzed the AF proteome from non-severe CAKUT (n = 19), severe CAKUT (n = 14), and healthy control (n = 22) fetuses using LC-MS/MS. We identified 471 significant proteins that discriminated the three AF groups with 81% precision. Among them, eight proteins independent of gestational age (CSPG4, LMAN2, ENDOD1, ANGPTL2, PRSS8, NGFR, ROBO4, PLS3) were associated with both the presence and the severity of CAKUT. Among those, five were part of a protein-protein interaction network involving proteins previously identified as being potentially associated with CAKUT. The actin-bundling protein PLS3 (plastin 3) was the only protein displaying a gradually increased AF abundance from control, via non-severe, to severe CAKUT. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed that PLS3 was expressed in the human fetal as well as in both the fetal and the postnatal mouse kidney. In zebrafish embryos, depletion of PLS3 led to a general disruption of embryonic growth including reduced pronephros development. In postnatal Pls3-knockout mice, kidneys were macroscopically normal, but the glomerular ultrastructure showed thickening of the basement membrane and fusion of podocyte foot processes. These structural changes were associated with albuminuria and decreased expression of podocyte markers including Wilms' tumor-1 protein, nephrin, and podocalyxin. In conclusion, we provide the first map of the CAKUT AF proteome that will serve as a reference for future studies. Among the proteins strongly associated with CAKUT, PLS3 did surprisingly not specifically affect nephrogenesis but was found as a new contributor in the maintenance of normal kidney function, at least in part through the control of glomerular integrity. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Fédou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Mylène Camus
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Ophélie Lescat
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Guylène Feuillet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Ilka Mueller
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bryony Ross
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie Buléon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Neau
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Melinda Alves
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Dominique Goudounéche
- Centre de Microscopie Electronique Appliquée à la Biologie (CMEAB), Faculté de Médecine Rangueil, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Benjamin Breuil
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Boizard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Quentin Bardou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Audrey Casemayou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Ivan Tack
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Dreux
- Unité de Biochimie Fœto-Placentaire, Laboratoire de Biochimie - Hormonologie CHU Robert Debré, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Julie Batut
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit (MCD, UMR5077), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI, FR3743), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Blader
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Unit (MCD, UMR5077), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI, FR3743), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Odile Burlet-Schiltz
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphane Decramer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Service de Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Centre De Référence des Maladies Rénales Rares du Sud-Ouest (SORARE), Toulouse, France
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute for Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julie Klein
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Sébastien Saulnier-Blache
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Bénédicte Buffin-Meyer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Joost P Schanstra
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1297, Institut of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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14
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Zhu P, Qiu Q, Harris PC, Xu X, Lin X. mtor Haploinsufficiency Ameliorates Renal Cysts and Cilia Abnormality in Adult Zebrafish tmem67 Mutants. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:822-836. [PMID: 33574160 PMCID: PMC8017545 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020070991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although zebrafish embryos have been used to study ciliogenesis and model polycystic kidney disease (PKD), adult zebrafish remain unexplored. METHODS Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) technology was used to generate mutant for tmem67, the homolog of the mammalian causative gene for Meckel syndrome type 3 (MKS3). Classic 2D and optical-clearing 3D imaging of an isolated adult zebrafish kidney were used to examine cystic and ciliary phenotypes. A hypomorphic mtor strain or rapamycin was used to inhibit mTOR activity. RESULTS Adult tmem67 zebrafish developed progressive mesonephric cysts that share conserved features of mammalian cystogenesis, including a switch of cyst origin with age and an increase in proliferation of cyst-lining epithelial cells. The mutants had shorter and fewer distal single cilia and greater numbers of multiciliated cells (MCCs). Absence of a single cilium preceded cystogenesis, and expansion of MCCs occurred after pronephric cyst formation and was inversely correlated with the severity of renal cysts in young adult zebrafish, suggesting a primary defect and an adaptive action, respectively. Finally, the mutants exhibited hyperactive mTOR signaling. mTOR inhibition ameliorated renal cysts in both the embryonic and adult zebrafish models; however, it only rescued ciliary abnormalities in the adult mutants. CONCLUSIONS Adult zebrafish tmem67 mutants offer a new vertebrate model for renal cystic diseases, in which cilia morphology can be analyzed at a single-nephron resolution and mTOR inhibition proves to be a candidate therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Peter C. Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Xueying Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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15
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Frétaud M, Do Khoa N, Houel A, Lunazzi A, Boudinot P, Langevin C. New reporter zebrafish line unveils heterogeneity among lymphatic endothelial cells during development. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:701-716. [PMID: 33369805 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In zebrafish, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) originate from multiple/several distinct progenitor populations and generate organ-specific lymphatic vasculatures. Cell fate and tissue specificities were determined using a combination of genetically engineered transgenic lines in which the promoter of a LEC-specific gene drives expression of a fluorescent reporter protein. RESULTS We established a novel zebrafish transgenic line expressing eGFP under the control of part of the zebrafish batf3 promoter (Basic Leucine Zipper ATF-Like Transcription Factor 3). Spatiotemporal examination of Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) transgenic fish revealed a typical lymphatic expression pattern, which does not perfectly recapitulate the expression pattern of existing LEC transgenic lines. eGFP+ cells constitute a heterogeneous endothelial cell population, which expressed LEC and/or blood endothelial cells (BEC) markers in different tissues. In addition, we characterize the renal eGFP+ cell as a population of interest to study kidney diseases and regeneration. CONCLUSION Our Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) reporter zebrafish line provides a useful system to study LEC populations, of which heterogeneity depends on origin of progenitors, tissue environment and physiological conditions. We further developed a novel fish-adapted tissue clearing method, which allows deep imaging and 3D-visualization of vascular and lymphatic networks in the whole organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Frétaud
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nam Do Khoa
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,AZELEAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Armel Houel
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Lunazzi
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pierre Boudinot
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christelle Langevin
- INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,INRAE, IERP, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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16
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de Bakker BS, van den Hoff MJB, Vize PD, Oostra RJ. The Pronephros; a Fresh Perspective. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 59:29-47. [PMID: 30649320 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary papers and book chapters on nephrology open with the assumption that human kidney development passes through three morphological stages: pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros. Current knowledge of the human pronephros, however, appears to be based on only a hand full of human specimens. The ongoing use of variations in the definition of a pronephros hampers the interpretation of study results. Because of the increased interest in the anamniote pronephros as a genetic model for kidney organogenesis we aimed to provide an overview of the literature concerning kidney development and to clarify the existence of a pronephros in human embryos. We performed an extensive literature survey regarding vertebrate renal morphology and we investigated histological sections of human embryos between 2 and 8 weeks of development. To facilitate better understanding of the literature about kidney development, a referenced glossary with short definitions was composed. The most striking difference between pronephros versus meso- and metanephros is found in nephron architecture. The pronephros consists exclusively of non-integrated nephrons with external glomeruli, whereas meso- and metanephros are composed of integrated nephrons with internal glomeruli. Animals whose embryos have comparatively little yolk at their disposal and hence have a free-swimming larval stage do develop a pronephros that is dedicated to survival in aquatic environments. Species in which embryos do not have a free-swimming larval stage have embryos that are supplied with a large amount of yolk or that develop within the body of the parent. In those species the pronephros is usually absent, incompletely developed, and apparently functionless. Non-integrated nephrons were not identified in histological sections of human embryos. Therefore, we conclude that a true pronephros is not detectable in human embryos although the most cranial part of the amniote excretory organ is often confusingly referred to as pronephros. The term pronephros should be avoided in amniotes unless all elements for a functional pronephros are undeniably present.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S de Bakker
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J B van den Hoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P D Vize
- Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - R J Oostra
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Abstract
The vertebrate kidney is comprised of functional units known as nephrons. Defects in nephron development or activity are a common feature of kidney disease. Current medical treatments are unable to ameliorate the dire consequences of nephron deficit or injury. Although there have been tremendous advancements in our understanding of nephron ontogeny and the response to damage, many significant knowledge gaps still remain. The zebrafish embryo kidney, or pronephros, is an ideal model for many renal development and regeneration studies because it is comprised of nephrons that share conserved features with the nephron units that comprise the mammalian metanephric kidney. In this chapter, we provide an overview about the benefits of using the zebrafish pronephros to study the mechanisms underlying nephrogenesis as well as epithelial repair and regeneration. We subsequently detail methods for the spatiotemporal assessment of gene and protein expression in zebrafish embryos that can be used to extend the understanding of nephron development and disease, and thereby create new opportunities to identify therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine.
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18
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Pérez-Rius C, Castellanos A, Gaitán-Peñas H, Navarro A, Artuch R, Barrallo-Gimeno A, Estévez R. Role of zebrafish ClC-K/barttin channels in apical kidney chloride reabsorption. J Physiol 2019; 597:3969-3983. [PMID: 31177533 DOI: 10.1113/jp278069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS We have characterized the zebrafish clc-k and barttin proteins, demonstrating that they form a protein complex mediating chloride flux in a similar manner to their mammalian counterparts. As in mammals, in zebrafish, clc-k and barttin are basically expressed in the kidney. Contrary to what is found in mammals, in zebrafish both proteins show an apical localization in the kidney. We have generated the first knockout in zebrafish of a CLC protein. Lack of clc-k in zebrafish resulted in embryonic lethality, possibly caused by a reduction in total chloride content. As a consequence, there is an up-regulation of other chloride channels and other regulatory mechanisms such as renin or the uro-guanylin receptor in the kidney. barttin is mislocalized in vivo when clc-k is not present, indicating that there is a mutual dependence of the protein expression and localization between barttin and clc-k proteins. ABSTRACT ClC-K/barttin channels are very important for salt transport in the kidney. This function can be clearly seen since mutations in CLCNKB or BSND cause Bartter's syndrome types III and IV, respectively. Working with the freshwater teleost zebrafish, we characterized the genes homologous to the mammalian chloride channel ClC-K and its obligate subunit barttin and we obtained and studied clc-k knockout zebrafish. The zebrafish clc-k/barttin proteins are very similar to their mammalian counterparts, and both proteins are necessary to mediate chloride currents. Localization studies indicated that both proteins are exclusively expressed in the apical membranes of zebrafish kidney tubules. Knockout of clc-k resulted in embryonic lethality. These animals showed barttin mislocalization and a reduction in whole-body chloride concentration, as well as up-regulation of the expression of other chloride channels and renin, and an increase in the kidney expression of the uroguanylin receptor. Our results indicate that apical kidney chloride reabsorption through clc-k/barttin channels is crucial for chloride homeostasis in zebrafish as it is in humans. The zebrafish model could be used as a new in vivo system to study ClC-K function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pérez-Rius
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Castellanos
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor Gaitán-Peñas
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Navarro
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Artuch
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Clinical Biochemistry Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alejandro Barrallo-Gimeno
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Genes, Disease and Therapy Program, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Gallegos TF, Kamei CN, Rohly M, Drummond IA. Fibroblast growth factor signaling mediates progenitor cell aggregation and nephron regeneration in the adult zebrafish kidney. Dev Biol 2019; 454:44-51. [PMID: 31220433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish kidney regenerates after injury by development of new nephrons from resident adult kidney stem cells. Although adult kidney progenitor cells have been characterized by transplantation and single cell RNA seq, signals that stimulate new nephron formation are not known. Here we demonstrate that fibroblast growth factors and FGF signaling is rapidly induced after kidney injury and that FGF signaling is required for recruitment of progenitor cells to sites of new nephron formation. Chemical or dominant negative blockade of Fgfr1 prevented formation of nephron progenitor cell aggregates after injury and during kidney development. Implantation of FGF soaked beads induced local aggregation of lhx1a:EGFP + kidney progenitor cells. Our results reveal a previously unexplored role for FGF signaling in recruitment of renal progenitors to sites of new nephron formation and suggest a role for FGF signaling in maintaining cell adhesion and cell polarity in newly forming kidney epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Gallegos
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Nephrology Division, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Caramai N Kamei
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Nephrology Division, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | | | - Iain A Drummond
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Nephrology Division, Boston, MA, 02129, USA; Harvard Medical School Department of Genetics, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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20
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Kamei CN, Gallegos TF, Liu Y, Hukriede N, Drummond IA. Wnt signaling mediates new nephron formation during zebrafish kidney regeneration. Development 2019; 146:dev.168294. [PMID: 31036548 PMCID: PMC6503981 DOI: 10.1242/dev.168294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish kidneys use resident kidney stem cells to replace damaged tubules with new nephrons: the filtration units of the kidney. What stimulates kidney progenitor cells to form new nephrons is not known. Here, we show that wnt9a and wnt9b are induced in the injured kidney at sites where frizzled9b- and lef1-expressing progenitor cells form new nephrons. New nephron aggregates are patterned by Wnt signaling, with high canonical Wnt-signaling cells forming a single cell thick rosette that demarcates: domains of cell proliferation in the elongating nephron; and tubule fusion where the new nephron plumbs into the distal tubule and establishes blood filtrate drainage. Pharmacological blockade of canonical Wnt signaling inhibited new nephron formation after injury by inhibiting cell proliferation, and resulted in loss of polarized rosette structures in the aggregates. Mutation in frizzled9b reduced total kidney nephron number, caused defects in tubule morphology and reduced regeneration of new nephrons after injury. Our results demonstrate an essential role for Wnt/frizzled signaling in adult zebrafish kidney development and regeneration, highlighting conserved mechanisms underlying both mammalian kidney development and kidney stem cell-directed neonephrogenesis in zebrafish. Summary: Adult zebrafish kidneys induce Wnt signaling to generate new nephrons from resident kidney progenitor cells, highlighting how embryonic morphogens are reactivated in adult organs to drive regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caramai N Kamei
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Thomas F Gallegos
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Neil Hukriede
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Iain A Drummond
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA .,Harvard Medical School Department of Genetics, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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21
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Han HI, Skvarca LB, Espiritu EB, Davidson AJ, Hukriede NA. The role of macrophages during acute kidney injury: destruction and repair. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:561-569. [PMID: 29383444 PMCID: PMC6066473 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-017-3883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by a rapid decline in renal function. Regardless of the initial cause of injury, the influx of immune cells is a common theme during AKI. While an inflammatory response is critical for the initial control of injury, a prolonged response can negatively affect tissue repair. In this review, we focus on the role of macrophages, from early inflammation to resolution, during AKI. These cells serve as the innate defense system by phagocytosing cellular debris and pathogenic molecules and bridge communication with the adaptive immune system by acting as antigen-presenting cells and secreting cytokines. While many immune cells function to initiate inflammation, macrophages play a complex role throughout AKI. This complexity is driven by their functional plasticity: the ability to polarize from a "pro-inflammatory" phenotype to a "pro-reparative" phenotype. Importantly, experimental and translational studies indicate that macrophage polarization opens the possibility to generate novel therapeutics to promote repair during AKI. A thorough understanding of the biological roles these phagocytes play during both injury and repair is necessary to understand the limitations while furthering the therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa I. Han
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Lauren B. Skvarca
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Eugenel B. Espiritu
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Alan J. Davidson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Neil A. Hukriede
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America,Center for Critical Care Nephrology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America,Correspondence: Dr. Neil A. Hukriede, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3501 5th Ave., 5061 BST3, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Phone: 412-648-9918;
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22
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Hoffmann S, Mullins L, Buckley C, Rider S, Mullins J. Investigating the RAS can be a fishy business: interdisciplinary opportunities using Zebrafish. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2469-2481. [PMID: 30518571 PMCID: PMC6279434 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is highly conserved, and components of the RAS are present in all vertebrates to some degree. Although the RAS has been studied since the discovery of renin, its biological role continues to broaden with the identification and characterization of new peptides. The evolutionarily distant zebrafish is a remarkable model for studying the kidney due to its genetic tractability and accessibility for in vivo imaging. The zebrafish pronephros is an especially useful kidney model due to its structural simplicity yet complex functionality, including capacity for glomerular and tubular filtration. Both the pronephros and mesonephros contain renin-expressing perivascular cells, which respond to RAS inhibition, making the zebrafish an excellent model for studying the RAS. This review summarizes the physiological and genetic tools currently available for studying the zebrafish kidney with regards to functionality of the RAS, using novel imaging techniques such as SPIM microscopy coupled with targeted single cell ablation and synthesis of vasoactive RAS peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Hoffmann
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K
| | - Linda Mullins
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K
| | - Charlotte Buckley
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K
| | - Sebastien Rider
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K
| | - John Mullins
- University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K.
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23
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Elmonem MA, Berlingerio SP, van den Heuvel LP, de Witte PA, Lowe M, Levtchenko EN. Genetic Renal Diseases: The Emerging Role of Zebrafish Models. Cells 2018; 7:cells7090130. [PMID: 30200518 PMCID: PMC6162634 DOI: 10.3390/cells7090130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural and functional similarity of the larval zebrafish pronephros to the human nephron, together with the recent development of easier and more precise techniques to manipulate the zebrafish genome have motivated many researchers to model human renal diseases in the zebrafish. Over the last few years, great advances have been made, not only in the modeling techniques of genetic diseases in the zebrafish, but also in how to validate and exploit these models, crossing the bridge towards more informative explanations of disease pathophysiology and better designed therapeutic interventions in a cost-effective in vivo system. Here, we review the significant progress in these areas giving special attention to the renal phenotype evaluation techniques. We further discuss the future applications of such models, particularly their role in revealing new genetic diseases of the kidney and their potential use in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Elmonem
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology & Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 817, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 11628 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sante Princiero Berlingerio
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology & Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 817, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lambertus P van den Heuvel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology & Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 817, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter A de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Bio-Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Martin Lowe
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Elena N Levtchenko
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology & Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 817, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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24
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Drummond BE, Wingert RA. Scaling up to study brca2: the zeppelin zebrafish mutant reveals a role for brca2 in embryonic development of kidney mesoderm. CANCER CELL & MICROENVIRONMENT 2018; 5:e1630. [PMID: 29707605 PMCID: PMC5922780 DOI: 10.14800/ccm.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Specialized renal epithelial cells known as podocytes are essential components of the filtering structures within the kidney that coordinate the process of removing waste from the bloodstream. Podocyte loss initiates many human kidney diseases as it triggers subsequent damage to the kidney, leading to progressive loss of function that culminates with end stage renal failure. Podocyte morphology, function and gene expression profiles are well conserved between zebrafish and humans, making the former a relevant model to study podocyte development and model kidney diseases. Recently, we reported that whole genome sequencing of the zeppelin (zep) zebrafish mutant, which exhibits podocyte abrogation, revealed that the causative lesion for this defect was a splicing mutation in the breast cancer 2, early onset (brca2) gene. This was a surprising and novel discovery, as previous research on brca2/BRCA2 in a number of vertebrate animal models had not implicated an explicit role for this gene in kidney mesoderm development. Interestingly, the abrogation of the podocyte lineage in zep mutants was also accompanied by the formation of a larger interrenal (IR) gland, which is analogous to the adrenal gland in mammals, and suggested a fate switch between the renal and inter renal mesodermal derivatives. Mirroring these findings, knockdown of brca2 also recapitulated the loss of podocytes and increased IR population. In addition, brca2 overexpression was sufficient to partially rescue podocytes in zep mutants, and induced ectopic podocyte formation in wild-type embryos. Interestingly, immunofluorescence studies indicated that zep mutants had elevated P-h2A.X levels, suggesting that DNA repair is dysfunctional in these animals and contributes to the zep phenotype. Moving forward, this unique zebrafish mutant provides a new model to further explore how brca2 contributes to the development of tissues including the kidney mesoderm-roles which may have implications for renal diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette E Drummond
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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25
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A Gene Implicated in Activation of Retinoic Acid Receptor Targets Is a Novel Renal Agenesis Gene in Humans. Genetics 2017; 207:215-228. [PMID: 28739660 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal agenesis (RA) is one of the more extreme examples of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Bilateral renal agenesis is almost invariably fatal at birth, and unilateral renal agenesis can lead to future health issues including end-stage renal disease. Genetic investigations have identified several gene variants that cause RA, including EYA1, LHX1, and WT1 However, whereas compound null mutations of genes encoding α and γ retinoic acid receptors (RARs) cause RA in mice, to date there have been no reports of variants in RAR genes causing RA in humans. In this study, we carried out whole exome sequence analysis of two families showing inheritance of an RA phenotype, and in both identified a single candidate gene, GREB1L Analysis of a zebrafish greb1l loss-of-function mutant revealed defects in the pronephric kidney just prior to death, and F0 CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of Greb1l in the mouse revealed kidney agenesis phenotypes, implicating Greb1l in this disorder. GREB1L resides in a chromatin complex with RAR members, and our data implicate GREB1L as a coactivator for RARs. This study is the first to associate a component of the RAR pathway with renal agenesis in humans.
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26
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Abstract
Animal models have been an invaluable means to advance biomedical research as they provide experimental avenues for cellular and molecular investigations of disease pathology. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a good alternative to mammalian models that can be used to apply powerful genetic experimental methods normally used in invertebrates to answer questions about vertebrate development and disease. In the case of the kidney, the zebrafish has proven itself to be an applicable and versatile experimental system, mainly due to the simplicity of its pronephros, which contains two nephrons that possess conserved structural and physiological aspects with mammalian nephrons. Numerous genes that were not previously related to kidney conditions have now been linked to renal diseases by applying genetic screening with the zebrafish. In fact, a large collection of mutations that affect nephron formation and function were generated through phenotype-based forward screens. Complementary reverse genetic approaches have also been insightful, with methods spanning the use of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides to genome editing approaches such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, to selectively knock down or knock out genes of interest to see if they produce kidney phenotypes. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has also been easily modeled in the zebrafish by injecting nephrotoxins, directly inducing damage through surgical intervention, or by generating transgenic lines that express compounds in a tissue-specific manner that when exposed to certain drugs promote an apoptotic response within cells. In this chapter, we provide an overview of these various approaches as well as discuss many of the contributions that have been achieved through the use of zebrafish to model kidney disease.
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27
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28
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Abstract
The pronephros is the first kidney type to form in vertebrate embryos. The first step of pronephrogenesis in the zebrafish is the formation of the intermediate mesoderm during gastrulation, which occurs in response to secreted morphogens such as BMPs and Nodals. Patterning of the intermediate mesoderm into proximal and distal cell fates is induced by retinoic acid signaling with downstream transcription factors including wt1a, pax2a, pax8, hnf1b, sim1a, mecom, and irx3b. In the anterior intermediate mesoderm, progenitors of the glomerular blood filter migrate and fuse at the midline and recruit a blood supply. More posteriorly localized tubule progenitors undergo epithelialization and fuse with the cloaca. The Notch signaling pathway regulates the formation of multi-ciliated cells in the tubules and these cells help propel the filtrate to the cloaca. The lumenal sheer stress caused by flow down the tubule activates anterior collective migration of the proximal tubules and induces stretching and proliferation of the more distal segments. Ultimately these processes create a simple two-nephron kidney that is capable of reabsorbing and secreting solutes and expelling excess water-processes that are critical to the homeostasis of the body fluids. The zebrafish pronephric kidney provides a simple, yet powerful, model system to better understand the conserved molecular and cellular progresses that drive nephron formation, structure, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Naylor
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Sarah S Qubisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Alan J Davidson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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29
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Abstract
New nephrons are induced by the interaction between mesenchymal progenitor cells and collecting duct tips, both of which are located at the outer edge of the kidney. This leading edge of active nephron induction is known as the nephrogenic zone. Cell populations found within this zone include collecting duct tips, cap mesenchyme cells, pretubular aggregates, nephrogenic zone interstitium, hemoendothelial progenitor cells, and macrophages. The close association of these dynamic progenitor cell compartments enables the intricate and synchronized patterning of the epithelial and the vascular components of the nephron. Understanding signaling interactions between the distinct progenitor cells of the nephrogenic zone are essential to determining the basis for new nephron formation, an important goal in regenerative medicine. A variety of technologies have been applied to define essential signaling pathways, including organ culture, mouse genetics, and primary cell culture. This chapter provides an overview of essential signaling pathways and discusses how these may be integrated.
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30
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Kersten S, Arjona FJ. Ion transport in the zebrafish kidney from a human disease angle: possibilities, considerations, and future perspectives. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017; 312:F172-F189. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00425.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique experimental advantages, such as its embryonic/larval transparency, high-throughput nature, and ease of genetic modification, underpin the rapid emergence of the zebrafish ( Danio rerio) as a preeminent model in biomedical research. Particularly in the field of nephrology, the zebrafish provides a promising model for studying the physiological implications of human solute transport processes along consecutive nephron segments. However, although the zebrafish might be considered a valuable model for numerous renal ion transport diseases and functional studies of many channels and transporters, not all human renal electrolyte transport mechanisms and human diseases can be modeled in the zebrafish. With this review, we explore the ontogeny of zebrafish renal ion transport, its nephron structure and function, and thereby demonstrate the clinical translational value of this model. By critical assessment of genomic and amino acid conservation of human proteins involved in renal ion handling (channels, transporters, and claudins), kidney and nephron segment conservation, and renal electrolyte transport physiology in the zebrafish, we provide researchers and nephrologists with an indication of the possibilities and considerations of the zebrafish as a model for human renal ion transport. Combined with advanced techniques envisioned for the future, implementation of the zebrafish might expand beyond unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie distinct genetic or environmentally, i.e., pharmacological and lifestyle, induced renal transport deficits. Specifically, the ease of drug administration and the exploitation of improved genetic approaches might argue for the adoption of the zebrafish as a model for preclinical personalized medicine for distinct renal diseases and renal electrolyte transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kersten
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Francisco J. Arjona
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
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31
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Abstract
Over a decade ago, it was proposed that the regulation of tubular repair in the kidney might involve the recapitulation of developmental pathways. Although the kidney cannot generate new nephrons after birth, suggesting a low level of regenerative competence, the tubular epithelial cells of the nephrons can proliferate to repair the damage after AKI. However, the debate continues over whether this repair involves a persistent progenitor population or any mature epithelial cell remaining after injury. Recent reports have highlighted the expression of Sox9, a transcription factor critical for normal kidney development, during postnatal epithelial repair in the kidney. Indeed, the proliferative response of the epithelium involves expression of several pathways previously described as being involved in kidney development. In some instances, these pathways are also apparently involved in the maladaptive responses observed after repeated injury. Whether development and repair in the kidney are the same processes or we are misinterpreting the similar expression of genes under different circumstances remains unknown. Here, we review the evidence for this link, concluding that such parallels in expression may more correctly represent the use of the same pathways in a distinct context, likely triggered by similar stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Helen Little
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and .,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pamela Kairath
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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32
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Camarata T, Howard A, Elsey RM, Raza S, O’Connor A, Beatty B, Conrad J, Solounias N, Chow P, Mukta S, Vasilyev A. Postembryonic Nephrogenesis and Persistence of Six2-Expressing Nephron Progenitor Cells in the Reptilian Kidney. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153422. [PMID: 27144443 PMCID: PMC4856328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
New nephron formation (nephrogenesis) ceases in mammals around birth and is completely absent in adults. In contrast, postembryonic nephrogenesis is well documented in the mesonephric kidneys of fishes and amphibians. The transient mesonephros in reptiles (including birds) and mammals is replaced by the metanephros during embryogenesis. Thus, one may speculate that postembryonic nephrogenesis is restricted to the mesonephric kidney. Previous reports have suggested the metanephros of non-avian reptiles (hereafter reptiles) may continually form nephrons throughout life. We investigated the presence of adult nephrogenesis in reptiles by examining adult kidneys from several species including Trachemys scripta, Chrysemys picta, Boa constrictor, Tupinambis tegu, Anolis carolinensis, and Alligator mississipiensis among others. We found that all major reptilian groups (Testudines, Crocodylia, and Squamates) showed the presence of adult nephrogenesis. The total amount of nephrogenesis varied greatly between species with turtles displaying the highest density of nephrogenesis. In contrast, we were unable to detect adult nephrogenesis in monotremes, and in the iguanid A. carolinensis. Nephron progenitor cells express the transcription factor Six2, which in mammals, becomes downregulated as the progenitor cell population is exhausted and nephrogenesis ends. Using the alligator as a model, we were able to detect Six2-positive cap mesenchyme cells in the adult kidney, which spatially correlated with areas of nephrogenesis. These results suggest that the metanephric kidney of reptiles has maintained the ability to continually grow new nephrons during postembryonic life, a process lost early in mammalian evolution, likely due to the persistence of a Six2-expressing progenitor cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Camarata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexis Howard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Ruth M. Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Sarah Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Alice O’Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian Beatty
- Department of Anatomy, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Jack Conrad
- Department of Anatomy, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Nikos Solounias
- Department of Anatomy, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Priscilla Chow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Saima Mukta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Aleksandr Vasilyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
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33
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Abstract
The kidney of the zebrafish shares many features with other vertebrate kidneys including the human kidney. Similar cell types and shared developmental and patterning mechanisms make the zebrafish pronephros a valuable model for kidney organogenesis. Here we review recent advances in studies of zebrafish pronephric development and provide experimental protocols to analyze kidney cell types and structures, measure nephron function, live image kidney cells in vivo, and probe mechanisms of kidney regeneration after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Drummond
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - A J Davidson
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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34
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Drummond BE, Wingert RA. Insights into kidney stem cell development and regeneration using zebrafish. World J Stem Cells 2016; 8:22-31. [PMID: 26981168 PMCID: PMC4766248 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i2.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is an escalating global health problem, for which the formulation of therapeutic approaches using stem cells has received increasing research attention. The complexity of kidney anatomy and function, which includes the diversity of renal cell types, poses formidable challenges in the identification of methods to generate replacement structures. Recent work using the zebrafish has revealed their high capacity to regenerate the integral working units of the kidney, known as nephrons, following acute injury. Here, we discuss these findings and explore the ways that zebrafish can be further utilized to gain a deeper molecular appreciation of renal stem cell biology, which may uncover important clues for regenerative medicine.
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Nephron Patterning: Lessons from Xenopus, Zebrafish, and Mouse Studies. Cells 2015; 4:483-99. [PMID: 26378582 PMCID: PMC4588047 DOI: 10.3390/cells4030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the vertebrate kidney. To ensure kidney functions, the nephrons possess a highly segmental organization where each segment is specialized for the secretion and reabsorption of particular solutes. During embryogenesis, nephron progenitors undergo a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) and acquire different segment-specific cell fates along the proximo-distal axis of the nephron. Even if the morphological changes occurring during nephrogenesis are characterized, the regulatory networks driving nephron segmentation are still poorly understood. Interestingly, several studies have shown that the pronephric nephrons in Xenopus and zebrafish are segmented in a similar fashion as the mouse metanephric nephrons. Here we review functional and molecular aspects of nephron segmentation with a particular interest on the signaling molecules and transcription factors recently implicated in kidney development in these three different vertebrate model organisms. A complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying nephrogenesis in different model organisms will provide novel insights on the etiology of several human renal diseases.
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McKee RA, Wingert RA. Zebrafish Renal Pathology: Emerging Models of Acute Kidney Injury. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 3:171-181. [PMID: 25973344 PMCID: PMC4419198 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-015-0082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The renal system is vital to maintain homeostasis in the body, where the kidneys contain nephron functional units that remove metabolic waste from the bloodstream, regulate fluids, and balance electrolytes. Severe organ damage from toxins or ischemia that occurs abruptly can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in which there is a rapid, life-threatening loss of these activities. Humans have a limited but poorly understood ability to regenerate damaged nephrons after AKI. However, researchers studying AKI in vertebrate animal models such as mammals, and more recently the zebrafish, have documented robust regeneration within the nephron blood filter and tubule following injury. Further, zebrafish kidneys contain progenitors that create new nephrons after AKI. Here, we review investigations in zebrafish which have established a series of exciting renal pathology paradigms that complement existing AKI models and can be implemented to discover insights into kidney regeneration and the roles of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. McKee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Rebecca A. Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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