1
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Gong Y, Li D, Sun Y, Kang L, Jiang Y. Expression and regulation of Noggin4 gene in chicken ovarian follicles and its role in the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 212:83-90. [PMID: 37717518 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
As a member of Noggin family, Noggin4 is reported to play an important role in the formation of head structure during the embryo development of Xenopus laevis and chicken. We previously detected an increase of Noggin4 transcript in the granulosa cells of chicken hierarchal follicles (Post-GCs) compared to pre-hierarchal follicles (Pre-GCs) by ONT transcriptome sequencing. To further clarify the role of Noggin4 in chicken follicle selection, in this study, we investigated its expression, regulation and function in follicles and granulosa cells. The mRNA expression of chicken Noggin4 exhibited dynamic changes during follicle development. It was significantly higher in the small yellow follicles than in the small white, F6, F5 and F4 follicles, and also increased in Post-GCs than in Pre-GCs. The Noggin4 mRNA could be stimulated by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in both Pre-GCs and Post-GCs. However, the estrogen and progesterone could exert opposing transcriptional regulations on Noggin 4 mRNA in both Pre- and Post-GCs. In chicken Post-GCs, knockdown of Noggin4 by siRNA reduced the mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1), but increased that of Wnt family member 4 (Wnt4), while overexpression of Noggin4 significantly decreased the mRNA expression of Wnt4 but had no marked effects on that of STAR and CYP11A1. Moreover, Noggin4 significantly decreased the mRNA expression of BMP4 in both Pre-GCs and Post-GCs. Overexpression of Noggin4 inhibited the proliferation of both Pre-GCs and Post-GCs. These data collectively suggest an important role of Noggin4 in chicken follicle selection, especially on the proliferation of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Gong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Li Kang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Yunliang Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China.
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2
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Xu J, Zhou X, Zhang T, Zhang B, Xu PX. Smarca4 deficiency induces Pttg1 oncogene upregulation and hyperproliferation of tubular and interstitial cells during kidney development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1233317. [PMID: 37727504 PMCID: PMC10506413 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1233317] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney formation and nephrogenesis are controlled by precise spatiotemporal gene expression programs, which are coordinately regulated by cell-cycle, cell type-specific transcription factors and epigenetic/chromatin regulators. However, the roles of epigenetic/chromatin regulators in kidney development and disease remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of deleting the chromatin remodeling factor Smarca4 (Brg1), a human Wilms tumor-associated gene, in Wnt4-expressing cells. Smarca4 deficiency led to severe tubular defects and a shortened medulla. Through unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, we identified multiple types of Wnt4 Cre-labeled interstitial cells, along with nephron-related cells. Smarca4 deficiency increased interstitial cells but markedly reduced tubular cells, resulting in cells with mixed identity and elevated expression of cell-cycle regulators and genes associated with extracellular matrix and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition/fibrosis. We found that Smarca4 loss induced a significant upregulation of the oncogene Pttg1 and hyperproliferation of Wnt4 Cre-labeled cells. These changes in the cellular state could hinder the cellular transition into characteristic tubular structures, eventually leading to fibrosis. In conclusion, our findings shed light on novel cell types and genes associated with Wnt4 Cre-labeled cells and highlight the critical role of Smarca4 in regulating tubular cell differentiation and the expression of the cancer-causing gene Pttg1 in the kidney. These findings may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for renal cell carcinoma resulting from SMARCA4 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshu Xu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xianxiao Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pin-Xian Xu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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3
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Generation of the organotypic kidney structure by integrating pluripotent stem cell-derived renal stroma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:611. [PMID: 35105870 PMCID: PMC8807595 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Organs consist of the parenchyma and stroma, the latter of which coordinates the generation of organotypic structures. Despite recent advances in organoid technology, induction of organ-specific stroma and recapitulation of complex organ configurations from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have remained challenging. By elucidating the in vivo molecular features of the renal stromal lineage at a single-cell resolution level, we herein establish an in vitro induction protocol for stromal progenitors (SPs) from mouse PSCs. When the induced SPs are assembled with two differentially induced parenchymal progenitors (nephron progenitors and ureteric buds), the completely PSC-derived organoids reproduce the complex kidney structure, with multiple types of stromal cells distributed along differentiating nephrons and branching ureteric buds. Thus, integration of PSC-derived lineage-specific stroma into parenchymal organoids will pave the way toward recapitulation of the organotypic architecture and functions.
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4
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Zhou XY, Zheng HY, Han L, Wang Y, Zhang L, Shu XM, Zhang ML, Liu GN, Ding LS. Copy Number Variations Analysis Identifies QPRT as a Candidate Gene Associated With Susceptibility for Solitary Functioning Kidney. Front Genet 2021; 12:575830. [PMID: 34079576 PMCID: PMC8165445 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.575830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of understanding of molecular pathologies of the solitary functioning kidney makes improving and strengthening the continuity of care between pediatric and adult nephrological patients difficult. Copy number variations (CNVs) account for a molecular cause of solitary functioning kidney, but characterization of the pathogenic genes remains challenging. Methods In our prospective cohort study, 99 fetuses clinically diagnosed with a solitary functioning kidney were enrolled and evaluated using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). The genetic drivers for the pathogenic CNVs were analyzed. We characterized QPRT localization in fetal kidneys using immunohistochemistry and its expression in adult kidneys using quantitative RT-PCR. Further, QPRT was knocked down using siRNA in human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells, and the cell cycle and proliferation were tested. Results Besides one Triple X syndrome and one Down syndrome, we identified a total of 45 CNVs out of 34 subjects. Among the 14 pathogenic CNVs, CNV 16p11.2 reached the highest number of records with the phenotype of kidney anomalies in the Decipher database. Among the 26 genes within the 16p11.2 region, as a key enzyme for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis, QPRT was distinctly localized in renal tubules but was barely observed in renal interstitial and glomeruli in fetal kidneys. The loss of QPRT prevented cells’ efficient transition into S phase, affected cell-cycle progression, and abrogated proliferation of human embryonic kidney cells. Conclusion Our data suggest that QPRT is a candidate gene associated with susceptibility for solitary functioning kidney. The CNVs discovered in our study exhibit great potential for future applications in genetic counseling and pregnancy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Y Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Hao Y Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiao M Shu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Mu L Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Guan N Liu
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lian S Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
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5
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Arai H, Sato Y, Yanagita M. Fibroblast heterogeneity and tertiary lymphoid tissues in the kidney. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:196-210. [PMID: 33951198 PMCID: PMC8360208 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts reside in various organs and support tissue structure and homeostasis under physiological conditions. Phenotypic alterations of fibroblasts underlie the development of diverse pathological conditions, including organ fibrosis. Recent advances in single‐cell biology have revealed that fibroblasts comprise heterogeneous subpopulations with distinct phenotypes, which exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on the host organs in a context‐dependent manner. In the kidney, phenotypic alterations of resident fibroblasts provoke common pathological conditions of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as renal anemia and peritubular capillary loss. Additionally, in aged injured kidneys, fibroblasts provide functional and structural supports for tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs), which serve as the ectopic site of acquired immune reactions in various clinical contexts. TLTs are closely associated with aging and CKD progression, and the developmental stages of TLTs reflect the severity of renal injury. In this review, we describe the current understanding of fibroblast heterogeneity both under physiological and pathological conditions, with special emphasis on fibroblast contribution to TLT formation in the kidney. Dissecting the heterogeneous characteristics of fibroblasts will provide a promising therapeutic option for fibroblast‐related pathological conditions, including TLT formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arai
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Medical Innovation Center, TMK Project, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoko Yanagita
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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6
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Meng P, Zhu M, Ling X, Zhou L. Wnt signaling in kidney: the initiator or terminator? J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1511-1523. [PMID: 32939578 PMCID: PMC7591426 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01978-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kidney is a key organ in the human body that excretes toxins and sustains the water-electrolyte balance. During embryonic development and disease progression, the kidney undergoes enormous changes in macrostructure, accompanied by a variety of microstructural histological changes, such as glomerular formation and sclerosis, tubule elongation and atrophy, interstitial establishment, and fibrosis progression. All of these rely on the frequent occurrence of cell death and growth. Notably, to overcome disease, some cells regenerate through self-repair or progenitor cell differentiation. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying kidney development and regeneration have not been elucidated. Recently, Wnt signaling has been noted to play an important role. Although it is a well-known developmental signal, the role of Wnt signaling in kidney development and regeneration is not well recognized. In this review, we review the role of Wnt signaling in kidney embryonic development, tissue repair, cell division, and progenitor cell differentiation after injury. Moreover, we briefly highlight advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of Wnt signaling in mediating cellular senescence in kidney parenchymal and stem cells, an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation blocking tissue repair and regeneration. We also highlight the therapeutic targets of Wnt signaling in kidney diseases and provide important clues for clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Nephrology, Huadu District People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, China
| | - Xian Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
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7
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England AR, Chaney CP, Das A, Patel M, Malewska A, Armendariz D, Hon GC, Strand DW, Drake KA, Carroll TJ. Identification and characterization of cellular heterogeneity within the developing renal interstitium. Development 2020; 147:dev190108. [PMID: 32586976 PMCID: PMC7438011 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Kidney formation requires the coordinated growth of multiple cell types including the collecting ducts, nephrons, vasculature and interstitium. There is a long-held belief that interactions between progenitors of the collecting ducts and nephrons are primarily responsible for kidney development. However, over the last several years, it has become increasingly clear that multiple aspects of kidney development require signaling from the interstitium. How the interstitium orchestrates these various roles is poorly understood. Here, we show that during development the interstitium is a highly heterogeneous patterned population of cells that occupies distinct positions correlated to the adjacent parenchyma. Our analysis indicates that the heterogeneity is not a mere reflection of different stages in a linear developmental trajectory but instead represents several novel differentiated cell states. Further, we find that β-catenin has a cell autonomous role in the development of a medullary subset of the interstitium and that this non-autonomously affects the development of the adjacent epithelia. These findings suggest the intriguing possibility that the different interstitial subtypes may create microenvironments that play unique roles in development of the adjacent epithelia and endothelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R England
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Christopher P Chaney
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Amrita Das
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mohita Patel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alicia Malewska
- Department of Urology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Daniel Armendariz
- Laboratory of Regulatory Genomics, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gary C Hon
- Laboratory of Regulatory Genomics, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Douglas W Strand
- Department of Urology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Keri A Drake
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Thomas J Carroll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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8
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Rao DM, Shackleford MT, Bordeaux EK, Sottnik JL, Ferguson RL, Yamamoto TM, Wellberg EA, Bitler BG, Sikora MJ. Wnt family member 4 (WNT4) and WNT3A activate cell-autonomous Wnt signaling independent of porcupine O-acyltransferase or Wnt secretion. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19950-19966. [PMID: 31740580 PMCID: PMC6937561 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcupine O-acyltransferase (PORCN) is considered essential for Wnt secretion and signaling. However, we observed that PORCN inhibition does not phenocopy the effects of WNT4 knockdown in WNT4-dependent breast cancer cells. This suggests a unique relationship between PORCN and WNT4 signaling. To examine the role of PORCN in WNT4 signaling, here we overexpressed WNT4 or WNT3A in breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and fibrosarcoma cell lines. Conditioned media from these lines and co-culture systems were used to assess the dependence of Wnt secretion and activity on the critical Wnt secretion proteins PORCN and Wnt ligand secretion (WLS) mediator. We observed that WLS is universally required for Wnt secretion and paracrine signaling. In contrast, the dependence of WNT3A secretion and activity on PORCN varied across the cell lines, and WNT4 secretion was PORCN-independent in all models. Surprisingly, WNT4 did not exhibit paracrine activity in any tested context. Absent the expected paracrine activity of secreted WNT4, we identified cell-autonomous Wnt signaling activation by WNT4 and WNT3A, independent of PORCN or Wnt secretion. The PORCN-independent, cell-autonomous Wnt signaling demonstrated here may be critical in WNT4-driven cellular contexts or in those that are considered to have dysfunctional Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deviyani M Rao
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Madeleine T Shackleford
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Evelyn K Bordeaux
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Joseph L Sottnik
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Rebecca L Ferguson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Tomomi M Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Benjamin G Bitler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Matthew J Sikora
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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9
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Lawlor KT, Zappia L, Lefevre J, Park JS, Hamilton NA, Oshlack A, Little MH, Combes AN. Nephron progenitor commitment is a stochastic process influenced by cell migration. eLife 2019; 8:41156. [PMID: 30676318 PMCID: PMC6363379 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Progenitor self-renewal and differentiation is often regulated by spatially restricted cues within a tissue microenvironment. Here, we examine how progenitor cell migration impacts regionally induced commitment within the nephrogenic niche in mice. We identify a subset of cells that express Wnt4, an early marker of nephron commitment, but migrate back into the progenitor population where they accumulate over time. Single cell RNA-seq and computational modelling of returning cells reveals that nephron progenitors can traverse the transcriptional hierarchy between self-renewal and commitment in either direction. This plasticity may enable robust regulation of nephrogenesis as niches remodel and grow during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kynan T Lawlor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Luke Zappia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Lefevre
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joo-Seop Park
- Division of Pediatric Urology and Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Nicholas A Hamilton
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alicia Oshlack
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa H Little
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander N Combes
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Aydoğdu N, Rudat C, Trowe MO, Kaiser M, Lüdtke TH, Taketo MM, Christoffels VM, Moon A, Kispert A. TBX2 and TBX3 act downstream of canonical WNT signaling in patterning and differentiation of the mouse ureteric mesenchyme. Development 2018; 145:145/23/dev171827. [PMID: 30478225 DOI: 10.1242/dev.171827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The organized array of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts in the walls of visceral tubular organs arises by patterning and differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors surrounding the epithelial lumen. Here, we show that the TBX2 and TBX3 transcription factors have novel and required roles in regulating these processes in the murine ureter. Co-expression of TBX2 and TBX3 in the inner mesenchymal region of the developing ureter requires canonical WNT signaling. Loss of TBX2/TBX3 in this region disrupts activity of two crucial drivers of the SMC program, Foxf1 and BMP4 signaling, resulting in decreased SMC differentiation and increased extracellular matrix. Transcriptional profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that TBX2/TBX3 directly repress expression of the WNT antagonists Dkk2 and Shisa2, the BMP antagonist Bmper and the chemokine Cxcl12 These findings suggest that TBX2/TBX3 are effectors of canonical WNT signaling in the ureteric mesenchyme that promote SMC differentiation by maintaining BMP4 and WNT signaling in the inner region, while restricting CXCL12 signaling to the outer layer of fibroblast-fated mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurullah Aydoğdu
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudat
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mark-Oliver Trowe
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marina Kaiser
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Timo H Lüdtke
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville PA 17822, USA.,Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Andreas Kispert
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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11
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Tan Z, Shan J, Rak-Raszewska A, Vainio SJ. Embryonic Stem Cells Derived Kidney Organoids as Faithful Models to Target Programmed Nephrogenesis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16618. [PMID: 30413738 PMCID: PMC6226521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidney is a complex organ that is comprised of thousands of nephrons developing through reciprocal inductive interactions between metanephric mesenchyme (MM) and ureteric bud (UB). The MM undergoes mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) in response to the signaling from the UB. The secreted protein Wnt4, one of the Wnt family members, is critical for nephrogenesis as mouse Wnt4−/− mutants fail to form pretubular aggregates (PTA) and therefore lack functional nephrons. Here, we generated mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line lacking Wnt4 by applying the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated systems 9 (Cas9). We describe here, differentiation of the wild type and Wnt4 knockout mESCs into kidney progenitors, and such cells induced to undergo nephrogenesis by the mouse E11.5 UB mediated induction. The wild type three-dimensional (3D) self-organized organoids depict appropriately segmented nephron structures, while the Wnt4-deficient organoids fail to undergo the MET, as is the case in the phenotype of the Wnt4 knockout mouse model in vivo. In summary, we have established a platform that combine CRISPR/Cas9 and kidney organoid technologies to model kidney development in vitro and confirmed that mutant organoids are able to present similar actions as in the in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenglai Tan
- Biocenter Oulu, Infotech Oulu, Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5A, 90220, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Jingdong Shan
- Biocenter Oulu, Infotech Oulu, Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5A, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Aleksandra Rak-Raszewska
- Biocenter Oulu, Infotech Oulu, Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5A, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo J Vainio
- Biocenter Oulu, Infotech Oulu, Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5A, 90220, Oulu, Finland.
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12
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TGF-β Family Signaling in Ductal Differentiation and Branching Morphogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a031997. [PMID: 28289061 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells contribute to the development of various vital organs by generating tubular and/or glandular architectures. The fully developed forms of ductal organs depend on processes of branching morphogenesis, whereby frequency, total number, and complexity of the branching tissue define the final architecture in the organ. Some ductal tissues, like the mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation, disintegrate and regenerate through periodic cycles. Differentiation of branched epithelia is driven by antagonistic actions of parallel growth factor systems that mediate epithelial-mesenchymal communication. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members and their extracellular antagonists are prominently involved in both normal and disease-associated (e.g., malignant or fibrotic) ductal tissue patterning. Here, we discuss collective knowledge that permeates the roles of TGF-β family members in the control of the ductal tissues in the vertebrate body.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhou CJ, Liu Y. Wnt Signaling in Kidney Development and Disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:181-207. [PMID: 29389516 PMCID: PMC6008255 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signal cascade is an evolutionarily conserved, developmental pathway that regulates embryogenesis, injury repair, and pathogenesis of human diseases. It is well established that Wnt ligands transmit their signal via canonical, β-catenin-dependent and noncanonical, β-catenin-independent mechanisms. Mounting evidence has revealed that Wnt signaling plays a key role in controlling early nephrogenesis and is implicated in the development of various kidney disorders. Dysregulations of Wnt expression cause a variety of developmental abnormalities and human diseases, such as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, cystic kidney, and renal carcinoma. Multiple Wnt ligands, their receptors, and transcriptional targets are upregulated during nephron formation, which is crucial for mediating the reciprocal interaction between primordial tissues of ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme. Renal cysts are also associated with disrupted Wnt signaling. In addition, Wnt components are important players in renal tumorigenesis. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin is instrumental for tubular repair and regeneration after acute kidney injury. However, sustained activation of this signal cascade is linked to chronic kidney diseases and renal fibrosis in patients and experimental animal models. Mechanistically, Wnt signaling controls a diverse array of biologic processes, such as cell cycle progression, cell polarity and migration, cilia biology, and activation of renin-angiotensin system. In this chapter, we have reviewed recent findings that implicate Wnt signaling in kidney development and diseases. Targeting this signaling may hold promise for future treatment of kidney disorders in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Wang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengji J Zhou
- University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Youhua Liu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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14
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Abou Ziki MD, Mani A. Wnt signaling, a novel pathway regulating blood pressure? State of the art review. Atherosclerosis 2017; 262:171-178. [PMID: 28522145 PMCID: PMC5508596 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent antihypertensive trials show conflicting results on blood pressure (BP) targets in patient populations with different metabolic profiles, with lowest benefit from tight BP control observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This paradox could arise from the heterogeneity of study populations and underscores the importance of precision medicine initiatives towards understanding and treating hypertension. Wnt signaling pathways and genetic variations in its signaling peptides have been recently associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes, generating a breakthrough for advancement of precision medicine in the field of hypertension. We performed a review of PubMed for publications addressing the contributions of Wnt to BP regulation and hypertension. In addition, we performed a manual search of the reference lists for relevant articles, and included unpublished observations from our laboratory. There is emerging evidence for Wnt's role in BP regulation and its involvement in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Wnt signaling has pleiotropic effects on distinct pathways that involve vascular smooth muscle plasticity, and cardiac, renal, and neural physiology. Hypertension is a heterogeneous disease with unique molecular pathways regulating its response to therapy. Recognition of these pathways is a prerequisite to identify novel targets for drug development and personalizing medicine. A review of Wnt signaling reveals its emerging role in BP regulation and as a target for novel drug development that has the potential to transform the therapy of hypertension in specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maen D Abou Ziki
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Arya Mani
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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15
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Lee KH, Gee HY, Shin JI. Genetics of vesicoureteral reflux and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Investig Clin Urol 2017; 58:S4-S13. [PMID: 28612055 PMCID: PMC5468264 DOI: 10.4111/icu.2017.58.s1.s4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The definition of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is the disease of structural malformations in the kidney and/or urinary tract containing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). These anomalies can cause pediatric chronic kidney disease. However, the pathogenesis of CAKUT is not well understood, because identifying the genetic architecture of CAKUT is difficult due to the phenotypic heterogeneity and multifactorial genetic penetrance. We describe the current genetic basis and mechanisms of CAKUT including VUR via approaching the steps and signaling pathways of kidney developmental processes. We also focus on the newly developed strategies and challenges to fully address the role of the associated genes in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keum Hwa Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heon Yung Gee
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Rowan CJ, Sheybani-Deloui S, Rosenblum ND. Origin and Function of the Renal Stroma in Health and Disease. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 60:205-229. [PMID: 28409347 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-51436-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The renal stroma is defined as a heterogeneous population of cells that serve both as a supportive framework and as a source of specialized cells in the renal capsule, glomerulus, vasculature, and interstitium. In this chapter, we review published evidence defining what, where, and why stromal cells are important. We describe the functions of the renal stroma andhow stromal derivatives are crucial for normal kidney function. Next, we review the specification of stromal cells from the Osr1+ intermediate mesoderm and T+ presomitic mesoderm during embryogenesis and stromal cell differentiation. We focus on stromal signaling mechanisms that act in both a cell and non-cell autonomous manner in communication with the nephron progenitor and ureteric lineages. To conclude, stromal cells and the contribution of stromal cells to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Rowan
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sepideh Sheybani-Deloui
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Norman D Rosenblum
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St., Rm 16-9-706, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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17
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Boivin FJ, Sarin S, Dabas P, Karolak M, Oxburgh L, Bridgewater D. Stromal β-catenin overexpression contributes to the pathogenesis of renal dysplasia. J Pathol 2016; 239:174-85. [PMID: 26956838 DOI: 10.1002/path.4713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Renal dysplasia, the leading cause of renal failure in children, is characterized by disrupted branching of the collecting ducts and primitive tubules, with an expansion of the stroma, yet a role for the renal stroma in the genesis of renal dysplasia is not known. Here, we demonstrate that expression of β-catenin, a key transcriptional co-activator in renal development, is markedly increased in the expanded stroma in human dysplastic tissue. To understand its contribution to the genesis of renal dysplasia, we generated a mouse model that overexpresses β-catenin specifically in stromal progenitors, termed β-cat(GOF-S) . Histopathological analysis of β-cat(GOF) (-S) mice revealed a marked expansion of fibroblast cells surrounding primitive ducts and tubules, similar to defects observed in human dysplastic kidneys. Characterization of the renal stroma in β-cat(GOF) (-S) mice revealed altered stromal cell differentiation in the expanded renal stroma demonstrating that this is not renal stroma but instead a population of stroma-like cells. These cells overexpress ectopic Wnt4 and Bmp4, factors necessary for endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation. Characterization of the renal vasculature demonstrated disrupted endothelial cell migration, organization, and vascular morphogenesis in β-cat(GOF) (-S) mice. Analysis of human dysplastic tissue demonstrated a remarkably similar phenotype to that observed in our mouse model, including altered stromal cell differentiation, ectopic Wnt4 expression in the stroma-like cells, and disrupted endothelial cell migration and vessel formation. Our findings demonstrate that the overexpression of β-catenin in stromal cells is sufficient to cause renal dysplasia. Further, the pathogenesis of renal dysplasia is one of disrupted stromal differentiation and vascular morphogenesis. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time the contribution of stromal β-catenin overexpression to the genesis of renal dysplasia. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J Boivin
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sanjay Sarin
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Pari Dabas
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michele Karolak
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, USA
| | - Leif Oxburgh
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, USA
| | - Darren Bridgewater
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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18
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Halt KJ, Pärssinen HE, Junttila SM, Saarela U, Sims-Lucas S, Koivunen P, Myllyharju J, Quaggin S, Skovorodkin IN, Vainio SJ. CD146(+) cells are essential for kidney vasculature development. Kidney Int 2016; 90:311-324. [PMID: 27165833 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The kidney vasculature is critical for renal function, but its developmental assembly mechanisms remain poorly understood and models for studying its assembly dynamics are limited. Here, we tested whether the embryonic kidney contains endothelial cells (ECs) that are heterogeneous with respect to VEGFR2/Flk1/KDR, CD31/PECAM, and CD146/MCAM markers. Tie1Cre;R26R(YFP)-based fate mapping with a time-lapse in embryonic kidney organ culture successfully depicted the dynamics of kidney vasculature development and the correlation of the process with the CD31(+) EC network. Depletion of Tie1(+) or CD31(+) ECs from embryonic kidneys, with either Tie1Cre-induced diphtheria toxin susceptibility or cell surface marker-based sorting in a novel dissociation and reaggregation technology, illustrated substantial EC network regeneration. Depletion of the CD146(+) cells abolished this EC regeneration. Fate mapping of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-marked CD146(+)/CD31(-) cells indicated that they became CD31(+) cells, which took part in EC structures with CD31(+) wild-type ECs. EC network development depends on VEGF signaling, and VEGF and erythropoietin are expressed in the embryonic kidney even in the absence of any external hypoxic stimulus. Thus, the ex vivo embryonic kidney culture models adopted here provided novel ways for targeting renal EC development and demonstrated that CD146(+) cells are critical for kidney vasculature development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmo J Halt
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki E Pärssinen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sanna M Junttila
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ulla Saarela
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sunder Sims-Lucas
- Rangos Research Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peppi Koivunen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna Myllyharju
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Susan Quaggin
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ilya N Skovorodkin
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo J Vainio
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Center of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland; InfoTech Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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19
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Chopra S, Kumar N, Rangarajan A, Kondaiah P. Context dependent non canonical WNT signaling mediates activation of fibroblasts by transforming growth factor-β. Exp Cell Res 2015; 334:246-59. [PMID: 25773780 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Actions of transforming growth factor-β are largely context dependent. For instance, TGF-β is growth inhibitory to epithelial cells and many tumor cell-lines while it stimulates the growth of mesenchymal cells. TGF-β also activates fibroblast cells to a myofibroblastic phenotype. In order to understand how the responsiveness of fibroblasts to TGF-β would change in the context of transformation, we have compared the differential gene regulation by TGF-β in immortal fibroblasts (hFhTERT), transformed fibroblasts (hFhTERT-LTgRAS) and a human fibrosarcoma cell-line (HT1080). The analysis revealed regulation of 6735, 4163, and 3478 probe-sets by TGF-β in hFhTERT, hFhTERT-LTgRAS and HT1080 cells respectively. Intriguingly, 5291 probe-sets were found to be either regulated in hFhTERT or hFhTERT-LTgRAS cells while 2274 probe-sets were regulated either in hFhTERT or HT1080 cells suggesting that the response of immortal hFhTERT cells to TGF-β is vastly different compared to the response of both the transformed cells hFhTERT-LTgRAS and HT1080 to TGF-β. Strikingly, WNT pathway showed enrichment in the hFhTERT cells in Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Functional studies showed induction of WNT4 by TGF-β in hFhTERT cells and TGF-β conferred action of these cells was mediated by WNT4. While TGF-β activated both canonical and non-canonical WNT pathways in hFhTERT cells, Erk1/2 and p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase pathways were activated in hFhTERT-LTgRAS and HT1080 cells. This suggests that transformation of immortal hFhTERT cells by SV40 large T antigen and activated RAS caused a switch in their response to TGF-β which matched with the response of HT1080 cells to TGF-β. These data suggest context dependent activation of non-canonical signaling by TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Chopra
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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20
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Complement C1q-induced activation of β-catenin signalling causes hypertensive arterial remodelling. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6241. [PMID: 25716000 PMCID: PMC4351572 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension induces structural remodelling of arteries, which leads to arteriosclerosis and end-organ damage. Hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and infiltration of immune cells are the hallmark of hypertensive arterial remodelling. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of arterial remodelling remain elusive. We have recently reported that complement C1q activates β-catenin signalling independent of Wnts. Here, we show a critical role of complement C1-induced activation of β-catenin signalling in hypertensive arterial remodelling. Activation of β-catenin and proliferation of VSMCs were observed after blood-pressure elevation, which were prevented by genetic and chemical inhibition of β-catenin signalling. Macrophage depletion and C1qa gene deletion attenuated the hypertension-induced β-catenin signalling, proliferation of VSMCs and pathological arterial remodelling. Our findings unveil the link between complement C1 and arterial remodelling and suggest that C1-induced activation of β-catenin signalling becomes a novel therapeutic target to prevent arteriosclerosis in patients with hypertension. The role of macrophages in hypertension-induced arterial remodeling is poorly understood. Here, Sumida et al. show that high blood pressure drives the alternatively activated macrophages to secrete complement C1q protein, which in turn elicits proliferative β-catenin signalling in the arterial smooth muscle cells.
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21
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Abstract
A number of genes involved in kidney development are reactivated in the adult after acute kidney injury (AKI). This has led to the belief that tissue repair mechanisms recapitulate pathways involved in embryonic development after AKI. We will discuss evidence to support this hypothesis by comparing the mechanisms of development with common pathways known to regulate post-AKI repair, or that we identified as cell-specific candidates based on public datasets from recent AKI translational profiling studies. We will argue that while many of these developmental pathways are reactivated after AKI, this is not associated with general cellular reprogramming to an embryonic state. We will show that reactivation of these developmental genes is often associated with expression in cells that are not normally involved in mediating parallel responses in the embryo, and that depending on the cellular context, these responses can have beneficial or detrimental effects on injury and repair after AKI.
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22
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Li W, Hartwig S, Rosenblum ND. Developmental origins and functions of stromal cells in the normal and diseased mammalian kidney. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:853-63. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Winny Li
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Sunny Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Science; Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island; Prince Edward Island Canada
| | - Norman D. Rosenblum
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Division of Nephrology; Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Physiology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
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23
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Halt K, Vainio S. Coordination of kidney organogenesis by Wnt signaling. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:737-44. [PMID: 24445433 PMCID: PMC3928513 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2733-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Several Wnt proteins are expressed in the embryonic kidney during various stages of development. Gene knockout models and ex vivo studies have provided strong evidence that Wnt-mediated signals are essential in renal ontogeny. Perhaps the most critical factors, Wnt9b and Wnt4, function during the early phase when the cap mesenchyme is induced to undergo morphogenesis into a nephron. Wnt11 controls early ureteric bud branching and contributes to the final kidney size. In addition to its inductive role, later on Wnt9b plays a significant role in the convergent extension of the tubular epithelial cells, while Wnt4 signaling controls smooth muscle cell fates in the medulla. Wnt7b has a specific function together with its likely antagonist Dkk1 in controlling the morphogenesis of the renal medulla. The signal-transduction mechanisms of the Wnts in kidney ontogeny have not been resolved, but studies characterizing the downstream signaling pathways are emerging. Aberrant Wnt signaling may lead to kidney diseases ranging from fatal kidney agenesis to more benign phenotypes. Wnt-mediated signaling regulates several critical aspects of kidney development from the early inductive stages to later steps of tubular epithelial maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmo Halt
- The Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo Vainio
- The Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
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24
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DiRocco DP, Kobayashi A, Taketo MM, McMahon AP, Humphreys BD. Wnt4/β-catenin signaling in medullary kidney myofibroblasts. J Am Soc Nephrol 2013; 24:1399-412. [PMID: 23766539 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2012050512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to the adult kidney induces a number of developmental genes thought to regulate repair, including Wnt4. During kidney development, early nephron precursors and medullary stroma both express Wnt4, where it regulates epithelialization and controls smooth muscle fate, respectively. Expression patterns and roles for Wnt4 in the adult kidney, however, remain unclear. In this study, we used reporters, lineage analysis, and conditional knockout or activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to investigate Wnt4 in the adult kidney. Proliferating, medullary, interstitial myofibroblasts strongly expressed Wnt4 during renal fibrosis, whereas tubule epithelia, except for the collecting duct, did not. Exogenous Wnt4 drove myofibroblast differentiation of a pericyte-like cell line, suggesting that Wnt4 might regulate pericyte-to-myofibroblast transition through autocrine signaling. However, conditional deletion of Wnt4 in interstitial cells did not reduce myofibroblast proliferation, cell number, or myofibroblast gene expression during fibrosis. Because the injured kidney expresses multiple Wnt ligands that might compensate for the absence of Wnt4, we generated a mouse model with constitutive activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in interstitial pericytes and fibroblasts. Kidneys from these mice exhibited spontaneous myofibroblast differentiation in the absence of injury. Taken together, Wnt4 expression in renal fibrosis defines a population of proliferating medullary myofibroblasts. Although Wnt4 may be dispensable for myofibroblast transformation, canonical Wnt signaling through β-catenin stabilization is sufficient to drive spontaneous myofibroblast differentiation in interstitial pericytes and fibroblasts, emphasizing the importance of this pathway in renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek P DiRocco
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Renkema KY, Winyard PJ, Skovorodkin IN, Levtchenko E, Hindryckx A, Jeanpierre C, Weber S, Salomon R, Antignac C, Vainio S, Schedl A, Schaefer F, Knoers NVAM, Bongers EMHF. Novel perspectives for investigating congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Nephrol Dial Transplant 2012; 26:3843-51. [PMID: 22121240 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease in children. Structural anomalies within the CAKUT spectrum include renal agenesis, kidney hypo-/dysplasia, multicystic kidney dysplasia, duplex collecting system, posterior urethral valves and ureter abnormalities. While most CAKUT cases are sporadic, familial clustering of CAKUT is common, emphasizing a strong genetic contribution to CAKUT origin. Animal experiments demonstrate that alterations in genes crucial for kidney development can cause experimental CAKUT, while expression studies implicate mislocalization and/or aberrant levels of the encoded proteins in human CAKUT. Further insight into the pathogenesis of CAKUT will improve strategies for early diagnosis, follow-up and treatment. Here, we outline a collaborative approach to identify and characterize novel factors underlying human CAKUT. This European consortium will share the largest collection of CAKUT patients available worldwide and undertake multidisciplinary research into molecular and genetic pathogenesis, with extension into translational studies to improve long-term patient outcomes.
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Trowe MO, Airik R, Weiss AC, Farin HF, Foik AB, Bettenhausen E, Schuster-Gossler K, Taketo MM, Kispert A. Canonical Wnt signaling regulates smooth muscle precursor development in the mouse ureter. Development 2012; 139:3099-108. [PMID: 22833126 DOI: 10.1242/dev.077388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a key component of many visceral organs, including the ureter, yet the molecular pathways that regulate their development from mesenchymal precursors are insufficiently understood. Here, we identified epithelial Wnt7b and Wnt9b as possible ligands of Fzd1-mediated β-catenin (Ctnnb1)-dependent (canonical) Wnt signaling in the adjacent undifferentiated ureteric mesenchyme. Mice with a conditional deletion of Ctnnb1 in the ureteric mesenchyme exhibited hydroureter and hydronephrosis at newborn stages due to functional obstruction of the ureter. Histological analysis revealed that the layer of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells directly adjacent to the ureteric epithelium did not undergo characteristic cell shape changes, exhibited reduced proliferation and failed to differentiate into SMCs. Molecular markers for prospective SMCs were lost, whereas markers of the outer layer of the ureteric mesenchyme fated to become adventitial fibroblasts were expanded to the inner layer. Conditional misexpression of a stabilized form of Ctnnb1 in the prospective ureteric mesenchyme resulted in the formation of a large domain of cells that exhibited histological and molecular features of prospective SMCs and differentiated along this lineage. Our analysis suggests that Wnt signals from the ureteric epithelium pattern the ureteric mesenchyme in a radial fashion by suppressing adventitial fibroblast differentiation and initiating smooth muscle precursor development in the innermost layer of mesenchymal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark-Oliver Trowe
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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27
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Smeeton J, Zhang X, Bulus N, Mernaugh G, Lange A, Karner CM, Carroll TJ, Fässler R, Pozzi A, Rosenblum ND, Zent R. Integrin-linked kinase regulates p38 MAPK-dependent cell cycle arrest in ureteric bud development. Development 2010; 137:3233-43. [PMID: 20823064 DOI: 10.1242/dev.052845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The integrin-linked kinase (ILK), pinch and parvin ternary complex connects the cytoplasmic tails of beta1 integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. We recently showed that constitutive expression of ILK and alpha parvin in both the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme of the kidney is required for kidney development. In this study, we define the selective role of ILK in the ureteric bud of the mouse kidney in renal development by deleting it in the ureteric cell lineage before the onset of branching morphogenesis (E10.5). Although deleting ILK resulted in only a moderate decrease in branching, the mice died at 8 weeks of age from obstruction due to the unprecedented finding of intraluminal collecting duct cellular proliferation. ILK deletion in the ureteric bud resulted in the inability of collecting duct cells to undergo contact inhibition and to activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in vivo and in vitro. p38 MAPK activation was not dependent on the kinase activity of ILK. Thus, we conclude that ILK plays a crucial role in activating p38 MAPK, which regulates cell cycle arrest of epithelial cells in renal tubulogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Smeeton
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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28
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Shan J, Jokela T, Peltoketo H, Vainio S. Generation of an allele to inactivate Wnt4 gene function conditionally in the mouse. Genesis 2010; 47:782-8. [PMID: 19830824 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt family member Wnt4 is critical for the development of several organs, including the kidney, gonad, and adrenal, mammary, and pituitary glands. To study its potential postnatal functions, we generated a floxed Wnt4 allele. A single loxP site was targeted to the second intron, while a loxP-Neo-loxP cassette was placed 3' from Exon 5. The floxed Neo cassette was subsequently removed by crossing with MeuCre40 transgenic mice. The Wnt4 gene was specifically inactivated with CAGCre and another Wnt4 allele, Wnt4(EGFPCre), in which the Cre is driven by the endogenous Wnt4 promoter. Deletion of Wnt4 gene function with CAGCre impaired kidney development, as is the case with the conventional knockout. Similarly, the Wnt4(EGFPCre)-mediated inactivation of Wnt4 function considerably reduced the amount of Wnt4 transcripts, led to a severe defect in kidney development, and caused the female embryos to undergo partial sex reversal to males. All in all, the floxed Wnt4 allele serves as a useful tool for studying the roles of Wnt4 signaling during the life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdong Shan
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu, Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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29
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Ustiyan V, Wang IC, Ren X, Zhang Y, Snyder J, Xu Y, Wert SE, Lessard JL, Kalin TV, Kalinichenko VV. Forkhead box M1 transcriptional factor is required for smooth muscle cells during embryonic development of blood vessels and esophagus. Dev Biol 2009; 336:266-79. [PMID: 19835856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Revised: 09/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The forkhead box m1 (Foxm1 or Foxm1b) transcription factor (previously called HFH-11B, Trident, Win, or MPP2) is expressed in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis, including vascular, airway, and intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Although global deletion of Foxm1 in Foxm1(-/-) mice is lethal in the embryonic period due to multiple abnormalities in the liver, heart, and lung, the specific role of Foxm1 in SMC remains unknown. In the present study, Foxm1 was deleted conditionally in the developing SMC (smFoxm1(-/-) mice). The majority of smFoxm1(-/-) mice died immediately after birth due to severe pulmonary hemorrhage and structural defects in arterial wall and esophagus. Although Foxm1 deletion did not influence SMC differentiation, decreased proliferation of SMC was found in smFoxm1(-/-) blood vessels and esophagus. Depletion of Foxm1 in cultured SMC caused G(2) arrest and decreased numbers of cells undergoing mitosis. Foxm1-deficiency in vitro and in vivo was associated with reduced expression of cell cycle regulatory genes, including cyclin B1, Cdk1-activator Cdc25b phosphatase, Polo-like 1 and JNK1 kinases, and cMyc transcription factor. Foxm1 is critical for proliferation of smooth muscle cells and is required for proper embryonic development of blood vessels and esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ustiyan
- Divisions of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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30
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Yu H, Pask AJ, Shaw G, Renfree MB. Comparative analysis of the mammalian WNT4 promoter. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:416. [PMID: 19732466 PMCID: PMC2758904 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 09/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WNT4 is a critical signalling molecule in embryogenesis and homeostasis, but the elements that control its transcriptional regulation are largely unknown. This study uses comparative cross species sequence and functional analyses between humans and a marsupial (the tammar wallaby,Macropus eugenii) to refine the mammalian Wnt4 promoter. Results We have defined a highly conserved 89 bp minimal promoter region in human WNT4 by comparative analysis with the tammar wallaby. There are many conserved transcription factor binding sites in the proximal promoter region, including SP1, MyoD, NFκB and AP2, as well as highly conserved CpG islands within the human, mouse and marsupial promoters, suggesting that DNA methylation may play an important role in WNT4 transcriptional regulation. Conclusion Using a marsupial model, we have been able to provide new information on the transcriptional regulators in the promoter of this essential mammalian developmental gene, WNT4. These transcription factor binding sites and CpG islands are highly conserved in two disparate mammals, and are likely key controlling elements in the regulation of this essential developmental gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshi Yu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Kangaroo Genomics, Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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31
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Barillot W, Tréguer K, Faucheux C, Fédou S, Thézé N, Thiébaud P. Induction and modulation of smooth muscle differentiation in Xenopus embryonic cells. Dev Dyn 2009; 237:3373-86. [PMID: 18855898 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
By comparison with skeletal or cardiac developmental programs, little is known regarding the specific factors that promote specification and differentiation of smooth muscle cells from pluripotent cells. We have analyzed the developmental expression of a subset of smooth muscle genes during Xenopus early development and showed that similar to mammals and avians, Xenopus smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) is a highly specific marker of smooth muscle differentiation. Embryonic cells from animal pole explants of Xenopus blastula can be induced by basic fibroblast growth factor, Wnt, and bone morphogenetic protein signals to adopt the smooth muscle pathway. Explants from early embryos that contain neural crest cells can also differentiate into cells expressing smooth muscle genes. We examined the interplay of several transcription factors, that is SRF, myocardin, and GATA6, that induce the expression of SM-MHC in animal cap cells and found that myocardin-dependent expression of smooth muscle genes in animal cap cells is synergized by SRF but is strongly antagonized by GATA6.
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Lumbo-sacral neural crest derivatives fate mapped with the aid of Wnt-1 promoter integrate but are not essential to kidney development. Differentiation 2009; 77:199-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Liu Y, Chattopadhyay N, Qin S, Szekeres C, Vasylyeva T, Mahoney ZX, Taglienti M, Bates CM, Chapman HA, Miner JH, Kreidberg JA. Coordinate integrin and c-Met signaling regulate Wnt gene expression during epithelial morphogenesis. Development 2009; 136:843-53. [PMID: 19176588 DOI: 10.1242/dev.027805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Integrin receptors for the extracellular matrix and receptor tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors represent two of the major families of receptors that transduce into cells information about the surrounding environment. Wnt proteins are a major family of signaling molecules that regulate morphogenetic events. There is presently little understanding of how the expression of Wnt genes themselves is regulated. In this study, we demonstrate that alpha3beta1 integrin, a major laminin receptor involved in the development of the kidney, and c-Met, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, signal coordinately to regulate the expression of Wnt7b in the mouse. Wnt signals in turn appear to regulate epithelial cell survival in the papilla of the developing kidney, allowing for the elongation of epithelial tubules to form a mature papilla. Together, these results demonstrate how signals from integrins and growth factor receptors can be integrated to regulate the expression of an important family of signaling molecules so as to regulate morphogenetic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Liu
- Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Woolf AS, Gnudi L, Long DA. Roles of angiopoietins in kidney development and disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 20:239-44. [PMID: 18799719 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietins are a family of growth factors, the best studied being angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), which binds to and tyrosine-phosphorylates endothelial Tie-2, causing enhanced survival and cell-cell stabilization. Ang-2 and Tie-1 downregulate Ang-1-induced Tie-2 signaling, and angiopoietin actions are further modified by vascular endothelial growth factor A and integrins. Metanephric capillaries express Tie genes, whereas metanephric mesenchyme, maturing tubules, and mature podocytes express Ang-1. Ang-1 null embryos begin to form blood vessels, but subsequent vascular remodeling fails, and analyses of chimeric wild-type/Tie null mutant embryos show that Tie genes are needed for renal endothelial survival. Ang-2 is transiently expressed in renal arterial smooth muscle and mesangial cells, and tubules around adult vasa rectae express Ang-2. Ang-2 null mice have increased pericytes around kidney cortical peritubular capillaries, perhaps an indirect consequence of upregulated Tie-2 signaling. Ang-1 therapies attenuate peritubular capillary loss in adult models of tubulointerstitial disease, although, in one study, this was accompanied by enhanced inflammation and fibrosis. Podocyte-directed Ang-2 transgenic overexpression causes glomerular endothelial apoptosis, downregulated nephrin expression, and increased albuminuria, and glomerular Ang-2 is upregulated in hyperglycemic and immune-mediated glomerulopathies. Thus, angiopoietins affect podocyte as well as glomerular endothelial biology, and imbalanced angiopoietin signaling contributes to glomerular pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian S Woolf
- Nephro-Urology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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35
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Dai J, Hall CL, Escara-Wilke J, Mizokami A, Keller JM, Keller ET. Prostate cancer induces bone metastasis through Wnt-induced bone morphogenetic protein-dependent and independent mechanisms. Cancer Res 2008; 68:5785-94. [PMID: 18632632 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-6541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is frequently accompanied by osteosclerotic (i.e., excessive bone production) bone metastases. Although bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and Wnts are mediators of PCa-induced osteoblastic activity, the relation between them in PCa bone metastases is unknown. The goal of this study was to define this relationship. Wnt3a and Wnt5a administration or knockdown of DKK-1, a Wnt inhibitor, induced BMP-4 and 6 expression and promoter activation in PCa cells. DKK-1 blocked Wnt activation of the BMP promoters. Transfection of C4-2B cells with axin, an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling, blocked Wnt3a but not Wnt5a induction of the BMP promoters. In contrast, Jnk inhibitor I blocked Wnt5a but not Wnt3a induction of the BMP promoters. Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and conditioned medium (CM) from C4-2B or LuCaP23.1 cells induced osteoblast differentiation in vitro. The addition of DKK-1 and Noggin, a BMP inhibitor, to CM diminished PCa CM-induced osteoblast differentiation in a synergistic fashion. However, pretreatment of PCa cells with DKK-1 before collecting CM blocked osteoblast differentiation, whereas pretreatment with Noggin only partially reduced osteoblast differentiation, and pretreatment with both DKK-1 and Noggin had no greater effect than pretreatment with DKK-1 alone. Additionally, knockdown of BMP expression in C4-2B cells inhibited Wnt-induced osteoblastic activity. These results show that PCa promotes osteoblast differentiation through canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways that stimulate both BMP-dependent and BMP-independent osteoblast differentiation. These results show a clear link between Wnts and BMPs in PCa-induced osteoblast differentiation and provide novel targets, including the noncanonical Wnt pathway, for therapy of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlu Dai
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0940, USA
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36
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The renal cortical interstitium: morphological and functional aspects. Histochem Cell Biol 2008; 130:247-62. [PMID: 18575881 PMCID: PMC2491705 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-008-0452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The renal interstitial compartment, situated between basement membranes of epithelia and vessels, contains two contiguous cellular networks. One network is formed by interstitial fibroblasts, the second one by dendritic cells. Both are in intimate contact with each other. Fibroblasts are interconnected by junctions and connected to basement membranes of vessels and tubules by focal adhesions. Fibroblasts constitute the “skeleton” of the kidney. In the renal cortex, fibroblasts produce erythropoietin and are distinguished from other interstitial cells by their prominent F-actin cytoskeleton, abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and by ecto-5′-nucleotidase expression in their plasma membrane. The resident dendritic cells belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system and fulfil a sentinel function. They are characterized by their expression of MHC class II and CD11c. The central situation of fibroblasts suggests that signals from tubules, vessels, and inflammatory cells converge in fibroblasts and elicit an integrated response. Following tubular damage and inflammatory signals fibroblasts proliferate, change to the myofibroblast phenotype and increase their collagen production, potentially resulting in renal fibrosis. The acquisition of a profibrotic phenotype by fibroblasts in renal diseases is generally considered a main causal event in the progression of chronic renal failure. However, it might also be seen as a repair process.
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37
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Lin CL, Wang JY, Ko JY, Surendran K, Huang YT, Kuo YH, Wang FS. Superoxide destabilization of beta-catenin augments apoptosis of high-glucose-stressed mesangial cells. Endocrinology 2008; 149:2934-42. [PMID: 18339714 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intense mesangial cell apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Although reactive oxygen radicals and Wnt signaling components are potent regulators that modulate renal tissue remodeling and morphogenesis, cross-talk between oxidative stress and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in controlling high-glucose-impaired mesangial cell survival and renal function have not been tested. In this study, high glucose induced Ras and Rac1 activation, superoxide burst, and Wnt5a/beta-catenin destabilization and subsequently promoted caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and apoptosis in mesangial cell cultures. The pharmacological and genetic suppression of superoxide synthesis by superoxide dismutase and diphenyloniodium, dominant-negative Ras (S17N), and dominant-negative Rac1 (T17N) abrogated high-glucose-induced glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3beta) activation and caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation. Inactivation of Ras and Racl also reversed Wnt/beta-catenin expression and survival of mesangial cells. Stabilization of beta-catenin by the transfection of stable beta-catenin (Delta45) and kinase-inactive GSK-3beta attenuated high-glucose-mediated mesangial cell apoptosis. Exogenous superoxide dismutase administration attenuated urinary protein secretion in diabetic rats and abrogated diabetes-mediated reactive oxygen radical synthesis in renal glomeruli. Immunohistological observation revealed that superoxide dismutase treatment abrogated diabetes-induced caspase-3 cleavage and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and increased Wnt5a/beta-catenin expression in renal glomeruli. Taken together, high glucose induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mesangial cells. The Ras and Rac1 regulation of superoxide appeared to raise apoptotic activity by activating GSK-3beta and inhibiting Wnt5a/beta-catenin signaling. Controlling oxidative stress and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling has potential for protecting renal tissue against the deleterious effect of high glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Liang Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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38
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Merkel CE, Karner CM, Carroll TJ. Molecular regulation of kidney development: is the answer blowing in the Wnt? Pediatr Nephrol 2007; 22:1825-38. [PMID: 17554566 PMCID: PMC6949197 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-007-0504-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2006] [Revised: 04/10/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Development of the metanephric kidney is a complicated process regulated by reciprocal signals from the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme that regulate tubule formation and epithelial branching morphogenesis. Over the past several years, several studies have suggested that Wnt signaling is involved in multiple aspects of normal kidney development as well as injury response and cancer progression. We will review these data here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calli E. Merkel
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8856 USA
| | - Courtney M. Karner
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8856 USA
| | - Thomas J. Carroll
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8856 USA
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39
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Abstract
Organ culture of mouse embryonic kidneys is a powerful system for studying normal renal development and for researching the developmental effects of experimental perturbations (drugs, antibodies, interfering RNA, and so on). In standard protocols, embryonic kidneys are isolated by delicate micro-dissection and placed in organ culture as soon as possible after the death of the donor mouse, before there is time to genotype them or to transport them elsewhere. This report demonstrates that fully viable embryonic kidneys can be isolated and cultured from crudely dissected caudal portions of embryos that have been stored on ice or at 4 degrees C for several days. This very simple technique can save considerable resources in laboratories that culture kidneys of transgenic mice: (i) cold storage allows embryos to be genotyped before their kidneys are cultured, and (ii) cold transport allows kidney research laboratories to study kidneys of transgenic mice raised elsewhere without the need for expensive importing of the mouse line itself. It will therefore substantially augment the ability of kidney research labs to perform pilot experiments on large numbers of different transgenic animals and to collaborate in new ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Davies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, UK.
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