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Schindler M, Endlich N. Zebrafish as a model for podocyte research. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F369-F381. [PMID: 38205541 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00335.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Podocytes, specialized postmitotic cells, are central players in various kidney-related diseases. Zebrafish have become a valuable model system for studying podocyte biology because they are genetically easy to manipulate, transparent, and their glomerular structure is similar to that of mammals. This review provides an overview of the knowledge of podocyte biology in zebrafish larvae, with particular focus on their essential contribution to understanding the mechanisms that underlie kidney diseases as well as supporting drug development. In addition, special attention is given to advances in live-imaging techniques allowing the observation of dynamic processes, including podocyte motility, podocyte process behavior, and glomerulus maturation. The review further addresses the functional aspects of podocytes in zebrafish larvae. This includes topics such as glomerular filtration, ultrastructural analyses, and evaluation of podocyte response to nephrotoxic insults. Studies presented in this context have provided important insights into the maintenance and resistance of the glomerular filtration barrier in zebrafish larvae and explored the potential transferability of these findings to mammals such as mice, rats, and most importantly, humans. The recent ability to identify potential therapeutic targets represents a promising new way to identify drugs that could effectively treat podocyte-associated glomerulopathies in humans. In summary, this review gives an overview about the importance of zebrafish as a model for podocyte-related disease and targeted drug development. It also highlights the key role of advanced imaging techniques in transparent zebrafish larvae, improving our understanding of glomerular diseases and the significant potential for translation of these findings to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nicole Endlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Joshi B, Wagh G, Kaur H, Patra C. Zebrafish Model to Study Angiotensin II-Mediated Pathophysiology. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1177. [PMID: 34827169 PMCID: PMC8614710 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension, a common chronic condition, may damage multiple organs, including the kidney, heart, and brain. Thus, it is essential to understand the pathology upon ectopic activation of the molecular pathways involved in mammalian hypertension to develop strategies to manage hypertension. Animal models play a crucial role in unraveling the disease pathophysiology by allowing incisive experimental procedures impossible in humans. Zebrafish, a small freshwater fish, have emerged as an important model system to study human diseases. The primary effector, Angiotensin II of the RAS pathway, regulates hemodynamic pressure overload mediated cardiovascular pathogenesis in mammals. There are various established mammalian models available to study pathophysiology in Angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Here, we have developed a zebrafish model to study pathogenesis by Angiotensin II. We find that intradermal Angiotensin II injection every 12 h can induce cardiac remodeling in seven days. We show that Angiotensin II injection in adult zebrafish causes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and enhances cardiac cell proliferation. In addition, Angiotensin II induces ECM protein-coding gene expression and fibrosis in the cardiac ventricles. Thus, this study can conclude that Angiotensin II injection in zebrafish has similar implications as mammals, and zebrafish can be a model to study pathophysiology associated with AngII-RAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagyashri Joshi
- Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune 411004, India; (B.J.); (G.W.)
- Science and Technology, SP Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Ganesh Wagh
- Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune 411004, India; (B.J.); (G.W.)
- Science and Technology, SP Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Harmandeep Kaur
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2, Canada;
| | - Chinmoy Patra
- Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune 411004, India; (B.J.); (G.W.)
- Science and Technology, SP Pune University, Pune 411007, India
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Abstract
Renin cells are essential for survival perfected throughout evolution to ensure normal development and defend the organism against a variety of homeostatic threats. During embryonic and early postnatal life, they are progenitors that participate in the morphogenesis of the renal arterial tree. In adult life, they are capable of regenerating injured glomeruli, control blood pressure, fluid-electrolyte balance, tissue perfusion, and in turn, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Throughout life, renin cell descendants retain the plasticity or memory to regain the renin phenotype when homeostasis is threatened. To perform all of these functions and maintain well-being, renin cells must regulate their identity and fate. Here, we review the major mechanisms that control the differentiation and fate of renin cells, the chromatin events that control the memory of the renin phenotype, and the major pathways that determine their plasticity. We also examine how chronic stimulation of renin cells alters their fate leading to the development of a severe and concentric hypertrophy of the intrarenal arteries and arterioles. Lastly, we provide examples of additional changes in renin cell fate that contribute to equally severe kidney disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa S. Sequeira-Lopez
- Departments of Pediatrics an Biology, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - R. Ariel Gomez
- Departments of Pediatrics an Biology, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Postlethwait JH, Massaquoi MS, Farnsworth DR, Yan YL, Guillemin K, Miller AC. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor and other key components of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System related to COVID-19 are expressed in enterocytes in larval zebrafish. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058172. [PMID: 33757938 PMCID: PMC8015242 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
People with underlying conditions, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, are especially susceptible to negative outcomes after infection with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Hypertension and respiratory inflammation are exacerbated by the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which normally protects from rapidly dropping blood pressure via Angiotensin II (Ang II) produced by the enzyme Ace. The Ace paralog Ace2 degrades Ang II, counteracting its chronic effects, and serves as the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Ace, the coronavirus, and COVID-19 comorbidities all regulate Ace2, but we do not yet understand how. To exploit zebrafish (Danio rerio) to help understand the relationship of the RAAS to COVID-19, we must identify zebrafish orthologs and co-orthologs of human RAAS genes and understand their expression patterns. To achieve these goals, we conducted genomic and phylogenetic analyses and investigated single cell transcriptomes. Results showed that most human RAAS genes have one or more zebrafish orthologs or co-orthologs. Results identified a specific type of enterocyte as the specific site of expression of zebrafish orthologs of key RAAS components, including Ace, Ace2, Slc6a19 (SARS-CoV-2 co-receptor), and the Angiotensin-related peptide cleaving enzymes Anpep (receptor for the common cold coronavirus HCoV-229E), and Dpp4 (receptor for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus, MERS-CoV). Results identified specific vascular cell subtypes expressing Ang II receptors, apelin, and apelin receptor genes. These results identify genes and cell types to exploit zebrafish as a disease model for understanding mechanisms of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yi-Lin Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Karen Guillemin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Adam C Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Guessoum O, de Goes Martini A, Sequeira-Lopez MLS, Gomez RA. Deciphering the Identity of Renin Cells in Health and Disease. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:280-292. [PMID: 33162328 PMCID: PMC7914220 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypotension and changes in fluid-electrolyte balance pose immediate threats to survival. Juxtaglomerular cells respond to such threats by increasing the synthesis and secretion of renin. In addition, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) along the renal arterioles transform into renin cells until homeostasis has been regained. However, chronic unrelenting stimulation of renin cells leads to severe kidney damage. Here, we discuss the origin, distribution, function, and plasticity of renin cells within the kidney and immune compartments and the consequences of distorting the renin program. Understanding how chronic stimulation of these cells in the context of hypertension may lead to vascular pathology will serve as a foundation for targeted molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Guessoum
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alexandre de Goes Martini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Maria Luisa S Sequeira-Lopez
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - R Ariel Gomez
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Hoy J, Nishimura H, Mehalic T, Yaoita E, Gomez RA, Paxton R, Sequeira-Lopez MLS. Ontogeny of renin gene expression in the chicken, Gallus gallus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 296:113533. [PMID: 32561435 PMCID: PMC7678913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Renin or a renin-like enzyme evolved in ancestral vertebrates and is conserved along the vertebrate phylogeny. The ontogenic development of renin, however, is not well understood in nonmammalian vertebrates. We aimed to determine the expression patterns and relative abundance of renin mRNA in pre- and postnatal chickens (Gallus gallus, White Leghorn breed). Embryonic day 13 (E13) embryos show renal tubules, undifferentiated mesenchymal structures, and a small number of developing glomeruli. Maturing glomeruli are seen in post-hatch day 4 (D4) and day 30 (D30) kidneys, indicating that nephrogenic activity still exists in kidneys of 4-week-old chickens. In E13 embryos, renin mRNA measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the adrenal glands is equivalent to the expression in the kidneys, whereas in post-hatch D4 and D30 maturing chicks, renal renin expressions increased 2-fold and 11-fold, respectively. In contrast, relative renin expression in the adrenals became lower than in the kidneys. Furthermore, renin expression is clearly visible by in situ hybridization in the juxtaglomerular (JG) area in D4 and D30 chicks, but not in E13 embryos. The results suggest that in chickens, renin evolved in both renal and extrarenal organs at an early stage of ontogeny and, with maturation, became localized to the JG area. Clear JG structures are not morphologically detectable in E13 embryos, but are visible in 30-day-old chicks, supporting this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Hoy
- Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hiroko Nishimura
- Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Kidney Research Center, Niigata University Graduate Sch. of Med. & Dent. Sci., Niigata, Japan.
| | - Theodore Mehalic
- Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Eishin Yaoita
- Kidney Research Center, Niigata University Graduate Sch. of Med. & Dent. Sci., Niigata, Japan
| | - R Ariel Gomez
- Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert Paxton
- Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Postlethwait JH, Farnsworth DR, Miller AC. An intestinal cell type in zebrafish is the nexus for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System that contributes to COVID-19 comorbidities. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32908984 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.01.278366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
People with underlying conditions, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, are especially susceptible to negative outcomes after infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. These COVID-19 comorbidities are exacerbated by the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which normally protects from rapidly dropping blood pressure or dehydration via the peptide Angiotensin II (Ang II) produced by the enzyme Ace. The Ace paralog Ace2 degrades Ang II, thus counteracting its chronic effects. Ace2 is also the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Ace , the coronavirus, and COVID-19 comorbidities all regulate Ace2 , but we don't yet understand how. To exploit zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) as a disease model to understand mechanisms regulating the RAAS and its relationship to COVID-19 comorbidities, we must first identify zebrafish orthologs and co-orthologs of human RAAS genes, and second, understand where and when these genes are expressed in specific cells in zebrafish development. To achieve these goals, we conducted genomic analyses and investigated single cell transcriptomes. Results showed that most human RAAS genes have an ortholog in zebrafish and some have two or more co-orthologs. Results further identified a specific intestinal cell type in zebrafish larvae as the site of expression for key RAAS components, including Ace, Ace2, the coronavirus co-receptor Slc6a19, and the Angiotensin-related peptide cleaving enzymes Anpep and Enpep. Results also identified specific vascular cell subtypes as expressing Ang II receptors, apelin , and apelin receptor genes. These results identify specific genes and cell types to exploit zebrafish as a disease model for understanding the mechanisms leading to COVID-19 comorbidities. SUMMARY STATEMENT Genomic analyses identify zebrafish orthologs of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System that contribute to COVID-19 comorbidities and single-cell transcriptomics show that they act in a specialized intestinal cell type.
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