1
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Carpenter J, Yarlagadda S, VandenHeuvel KA, Ding L, Schuh MP. Human Nephrogenesis can Persist Beyond 40 Postnatal Days in Preterm Infants. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:436-450. [PMID: 38344733 PMCID: PMC10851065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human nephrogenesis is typically completed by 36 weeks gestation; however, it is impacted by preterm birth. Early studies suggested that nephrogenesis persisted for ≤40 postnatal days in preterm infants. However, the postmenstrual age (PMA) of the preterm infants who survived >40 days was uncertain. In this study, we sought to reexamine postnatal kidney development in preterm infants surviving >40 days. Methods Human kidney samples were obtained from an institutional biobank. Samples were considered controls if survival was ≤4 days after birth with PMA of 30 to ≤36 weeks. Kidneys from preterm neonates with postnatal survival >40 days and PMA of 30 to ≤36 weeks were compared to controls. We counted glomerular generations, measured nephrogenic zone widths (NZW), and performed immunofluorescence (IF) with SIX1 and RET. We compared kidney weights and quantified the cross-sectional area of proximal (lotus tetragonolobus lectin [LTL], SL22A2), distal (SLC12A3, KCNJ10), and glomerular (nephrin) markers using IF. Results Seven preterm infants surviving >40 days and 8 controls were analyzed. Four of 7 preterm infants had histologic and molecular evidence of nephrogenesis. Cessation of nephrogenesis in preterm infants occurred 2 weeks earlier than PMA-matched controls with attenuated expression of both SIX1 and RET. We found increased kidney weight-to-body weight ratio, increased distal tubular cross-sectional staining in the superficial nephrons, and distal tubular hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the preterm infant kidneys. Conclusion Our study supports that nephrogenesis in preterm infants persists longer than previously thought with evidence of early nephron stress, placing importance on the neonatal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Carpenter
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sunitha Yarlagadda
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine A. VandenHeuvel
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lili Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Meredith P. Schuh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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2
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Gao WW, Zheng J, Yun W, Kang PJ, Park G, Song G, Kim IY, You S. Generation of Induced Nephron Progenitor-like Cells from Human Urine-Derived Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13449. [PMID: 34948246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Regenerative medicine strategies employing nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) are a viable approach that is worthy of substantial consideration as a promising cell source for kidney diseases. However, the generation of induced nephron progenitor-like cells (iNPCs) from human somatic cells remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a novel method for generating NPCs from human urine-derived cells (UCs) that can undergo long-term expansion in a serum-free condition. Results: Here, we generated iNPCs from human urine-derived cells by forced expression of the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC, and SLUG, followed by exposure to a cocktail of defined small molecules. These iNPCs resembled human embryonic stem cell-derived NPCs in terms of their morphology, biological characteristics, differentiation potential, and global gene expression and underwent a long-term expansion in serum-free conditions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that human iNPCs can be readily generated and expanded, which will facilitate their broad applicability in a rapid, efficient, and patient-specific manner, particularly holding the potential as a transplantable cell source for patients with kidney disease.
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3
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Makayes Y, Resnick E, Hinden L, Aizenshtein E, Shlomi T, Kopan R, Nechama M, Volovelsky O. Increasing mTORC1 Pathway Activity or Methionine Supplementation during Pregnancy Reverses the Negative Effect of Maternal Malnutrition on the Developing Kidney. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1898-1912. [PMID: 33958489 PMCID: PMC8455268 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020091321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low nephron number at birth is associated with a high risk of CKD in adulthood because nephrogenesis is completed in utero. Poor intrauterine environment impairs nephron endowment via an undefined molecular mechanism. A calorie-restricted diet (CRD) mouse model examined the effect of malnutrition during pregnancy on nephron progenitor cells (NPCs). METHODS Daily caloric intake was reduced by 30% during pregnancy. mRNA expression, the cell cycle, and metabolic activity were evaluated in sorted Six2 NPCs. The results were validated using transgenic mice, oral nutrient supplementation, and organ cultures. RESULTS Maternal CRD is associated with low nephron number in offspring, compromising kidney function at an older age. RNA-seq identified cell cycle regulators and the mTORC1 pathway, among other pathways, that maternal malnutrition in NPCs modifies. Metabolomics analysis of NPCs singled out the methionine pathway as crucial for NPC proliferation and maintenance. Methionine deprivation reduced NPC proliferation and lowered NPC number per tip in embryonic kidney cultures, with rescue from methionine metabolite supplementation. Importantly, in vivo, the negative effect of caloric restriction on nephrogenesis was prevented by adding methionine to the otherwise restricted diet during pregnancy or by removing one Tsc1 allele in NPCs. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that mTORC1 signaling and methionine metabolism are central to the cellular and metabolic effects of malnutrition during pregnancy on NPCs, contributing to nephrogenesis and later, to kidney health in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Makayes
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit and Research Lab, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Resnick
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit and Research Lab, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liad Hinden
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | - Raphael Kopan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Morris Nechama
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit and Research Lab, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel,Wohl’s Translation Research Institute at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oded Volovelsky
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit and Research Lab, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel,Wohl’s Translation Research Institute at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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4
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van Ineveld RL, Margaritis T, Kooiman BAP, Groenveld F, Ariese HCR, Lijnzaad P, Johnson HR, Korving J, Wehrens EJ, Holstege F, van Rheenen J, Drost J, Rios AC, Bos FL. LGR6 marks nephron progenitor cells. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1568-1583. [PMID: 33848015 PMCID: PMC8597161 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) undergo a stepwise process to generate all mature nephron structures. Mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) is considered a multistep process of NPC differentiation to ensure progressive establishment of new nephrons. However, despite this important role, to date, no marker for NPCs undergoing MET in the nephron exists. Results Here, we identify LGR6 as a NPC marker, expressed in very early cap mesenchyme, pre‐tubular aggregates, renal vesicles, and in segments of S‐shaped bodies, following the trajectory of MET. By using a lineage tracing approach in embryonic explants in combination with confocal imaging and single‐cell RNA sequencing, we provide evidence for the multiple fates of LGR6+ cells during embryonic nephrogenesis. Moreover, by using long‐term in vivo lineage tracing, we show that postnatal LGR6+ cells are capable of generating the multiple lineages of the nephrons. Conclusions Given the profound early mesenchymal expression and MET signature of LGR6+ cells, together with the lineage tracing of mesenchymal LGR6+ cells, we conclude that LGR6+ cells contribute to all nephrogenic segments by undergoing MET. LGR6+ cells can therefore be considered an early committed NPC population during embryonic and postnatal nephrogenesis with potential regenerative capability. Lgr6 is expressed in the earliest cap mesenchyme pool, a niche where nephrogenic progenitor cells (NPCs) are found. Lgr6 marks NPCs undergoing mesenchymal to epithelial transition, following the main process of nephron development. Using ex vivo and vivo lineage tracing, we show that mesenchymal Lgr6 expressing cells give rise to multiple types of mesenchymal derived nephron segments, including specialized glomerular epithelium, such as podocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravian L van Ineveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Femke Groenveld
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus C R Ariese
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Lijnzaad
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah R Johnson
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen J Wehrens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Holstege
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne C Rios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank L Bos
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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5
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Huh SH, Ha L, Jang HS. Nephron Progenitor Maintenance Is Controlled through Fibroblast Growth Factors and Sprouty1 Interaction. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:2559-2572. [PMID: 32753399 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) give rise to all segments of functional nephrons and are of great interest due to their potential as a source for novel treatment strategies for kidney disease. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays pivotal roles in generating and maintaining NPCs during kidney development, but little is known about the molecule(s) regulating FGF signaling during nephron development. Sprouty 1 (SPRY1) is an antagonist of receptor tyrosine kinases. Although SPRY1 antagonizes Ret-GDNF signaling, which modulates renal branching, its role in NPCs is not known. METHODS Spry1, Fgf9, and Fgf20 compound mutant animals were used to evaluate kidney phenotypes in mice to understand whether SPRY1 modulates FGF signaling in NPCs and whether FGF8 functions with FGF9 and FGF20 in maintaining NPCs. RESULTS Loss of one copy of Spry1 counters effects of the loss of Fgf9 and Fgf20, rescuing bilateral renal agenesis premature NPC differentiation, NPC proliferation, and cell death defects. In the absence of SPRY1, FGF9, and FGF20, another FGF ligand, FGF8, promotes nephrogenesis. Deleting both Fgf8 and Fgf20 results in kidney agenesis, defects in NPC proliferation, and cell death. Deleting one copy of Fgf8 reversed the effect of deleting one copy of Spry1, which rescued the renal agenesis due to loss of Fgf9 and Fgf20. CONCLUSIONS SPRY1 expressed in NPCs modulates the activity of FGF signaling and regulates NPC stemness. These findings indicate the importance of the balance between positive and negative signals during NPC maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ho Huh
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska .,Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ligyeom Ha
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Hee-Seong Jang
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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6
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Liu E, Radmanesh B, Chung BH, Donnan MD, Yi D, Dadi A, Smith KD, Himmelfarb J, Li M, Freedman BS, Lin J. Profiling APOL1 Nephropathy Risk Variants in Genome-Edited Kidney Organoids with Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Kidney360 2020; 1:203-215. [PMID: 32656538 PMCID: PMC7351353 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000422019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA variants in APOL1 associate with kidney disease, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Model organisms lack the APOL1 gene, limiting the degree to which disease states can be recapitulated. Here we present single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of genome-edited human kidney organoids as a platform for profiling effects of APOL1 risk variants in diverse nephron cell types. METHODS We performed footprint-free CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to knock in APOL1 high-risk G1 variants at the native genomic locus. iPSCs were differentiated into kidney organoids, treated with vehicle, IFN-γ, or the combination of IFN-γ and tunicamycin, and analyzed with scRNA-seq to profile cell-specific changes in differential gene expression patterns, compared with isogenic G0 controls. RESULTS Both G0 and G1 iPSCs differentiated into kidney organoids containing nephron-like structures with glomerular epithelial cells, proximal tubules, distal tubules, and endothelial cells. Organoids expressed detectable APOL1 only after exposure to IFN-γ. scRNA-seq revealed cell type-specific differences in G1 organoid response to APOL1 induction. Additional stress of tunicamycin exposure led to increased glomerular epithelial cell dedifferentiation in G1 organoids. CONCLUSIONS Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of human genome-edited kidney organoids expressing APOL1 risk variants provides a novel platform for studying the pathophysiology of APOL1-mediated kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Behram Radmanesh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Byungha H. Chung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael D. Donnan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dan Yi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amal Dadi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kelly D. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jonathan Himmelfarb
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mingyao Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Benjamin S. Freedman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennie Lin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Section of Nephrology, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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7
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O'Hara RE, Arsenault MG, Esparza Gonzalez BP, Patriquen A, Hartwig S. Three Optimized Methods for In Situ Quantification of Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Embryonic Kidneys Using BrdU, EdU, and PCNA. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2019; 6:2054358119871936. [PMID: 31523438 PMCID: PMC6734617 DOI: 10.1177/2054358119871936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nephron progenitor cells derived from the metanephric mesenchyme undergo a complex balance of self-renewal and differentiation throughout kidney development to give rise to the mature nephron. Cell proliferation is an important index of progenitor population dynamics. However, accurate and reproducible in situ quantification of cell proliferation within progenitor populations can be technically difficult to achieve due to the complexity and harsh tissue treatment required of certain protocols. Objective: To optimize and compare the performance of the 3 most accurate S phase–specific labeling methods used for in situ detection and quantification of nephron progenitor and ureteric bud cell proliferation in the developing kidney, namely, 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU), 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Methods: Protocols for BrdU, EdU, and PCNA were optimized for fluorescence labeling on paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded mouse kidney tissue sections, with co-labeling of nephron progenitor cells and ureteric bud with Six2 and E-cadherin antibodies, respectively. Image processing and analysis, including quantification of proliferating cells, were carried out using free ImageJ software. Results: All 3 methods detect similar ratios of nephron progenitor and ureteric bud proliferating cells. The BrdU staining protocol is the lengthiest and most complex protocol to perform, requires tissue denaturation, and is most subject to interexperimental signal variability. In contrast, bound PCNA and EdU protocols are relatively more straightforward, consistently yield clear results, and far more easily lend themselves to co-staining; however, the bound PCNA protocol requires substantive additional postexperimental analysis to distinguish the punctate nuclear PCNA staining pattern characteristic of proliferating cells. Conclusions: All 3 markers exhibit distinct advantages and disadvantages in quantifying cell proliferation in kidney progenitor populations, with EdU and PCNA protocols being favored due to greater technical ease and reproducibility of results associated with these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie E O'Hara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Michel G Arsenault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Blanca P Esparza Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Ashley Patriquen
- Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Sunny Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
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8
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Song R, Kidd L, Janssen A, Yosypiv IV. Conditional ablation of the prorenin receptor in nephron progenitor cells results in developmental programming of hypertension. Physiol Rep 2019; 6:e13644. [PMID: 29611334 PMCID: PMC5880790 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephron induction during kidney development is driven by reciprocal interactions between progenitor cells (NPCs) of the cap mesenchyme (CM) and the ureteric bud (UB). The prorenin receptor (PRR) is a receptor for renin and prorenin, and an accessory subunit of the vacuolar proton pump V‐ATPase. Previously, we demonstrated that conditional ablation of the PRR in Six2+NPCs in mice (Six2PRR−/−) causes early neonatal death. Here, we identified genes that are regulated by PRR in Six2+NPCs FACS‐isolated from Six2PRR−/− and control kidneys on embryonic day E15.5 using whole‐genome expression analysis. Seven genes with expression in CM cells previously shown to direct kidney development, including Notch1, β‐catenin, Lef1, Lhx1, Jag1, and p53, were downregulated. The functional groups within the downregulated gene set included genes involved in embryonic and cellular development, renal regeneration, cellular assembly and organization, cell morphology, death and survival. Double‐transgenic Six2PRR−/−/BatGal+ mice, a reporter strain for β‐catenin transcriptional activity, showed decreased β‐catenin activity in the UB in vivo. Reduced PRR gene dosage in heterozygous Six2PRR+/− mice was associated with decreased glomerular number, segmental thickening of the glomerular basement membrane with focal podocyte foot process effacement, development of hypertension and increased soluble PRR (sPRR) levels in the urine at 2 months of age. Together, these data demonstrate that NPC PRR performs essential functions during nephrogenesis via control of hierarchy of genes that regulate critical cellular processes. Both reduced nephron endowment and augmented urine sPRR likely contribute to programming of hypertension in Six2PRR+/− mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfang Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles
| | - Laura Kidd
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles
| | - Adam Janssen
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles
| | - Ihor V Yosypiv
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles
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9
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Wanner N, Vornweg J, Combes A, Wilson S, Plappert J, Rafflenbeul G, Puelles VG, Rahman RU, Liwinski T, Lindner S, Grahammer F, Kretz O, Wlodek ME, Romano T, Moritz KM, Boerries M, Busch H, Bonn S, Little MH, Bechtel-Walz W, Huber TB. DNA Methyltransferase 1 Controls Nephron Progenitor Cell Renewal and Differentiation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:63-78. [PMID: 30518531 PMCID: PMC6317605 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephron number is a major determinant of long-term renal function and cardiovascular risk. Observational studies suggest that maternal nutritional and metabolic factors during gestation contribute to the high variability of nephron endowment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have been unclear. METHODS We used mouse models, including DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b) knockout mice, optical projection tomography, three-dimensional reconstructions of the nephrogenic niche, and transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis to characterize the role of DNA methylation for kidney development. RESULTS We demonstrate that DNA hypomethylation is a key feature of nutritional kidney growth restriction in vitro and in vivo, and that DNA methyltransferases Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a are highly enriched in the nephrogenic zone of the developing kidneys. Deletion of Dnmt1 in nephron progenitor cells (in contrast to deletion of Dnmt3a or Dnm3b) mimics nutritional models of kidney growth restriction and results in a substantial reduction of nephron number as well as renal hypoplasia at birth. In Dnmt1-deficient mice, optical projection tomography and three-dimensional reconstructions uncovered a significant reduction of stem cell niches and progenitor cells. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that global DNA hypomethylation interferes in the progenitor cell regulatory network, leading to downregulation of genes crucial for initiation of nephrogenesis, Wt1 and its target Wnt4. Derepression of germline genes, protocadherins, Rhox genes, and endogenous retroviral elements resulted in the upregulation of IFN targets and inhibitors of cell cycle progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish DNA methylation as a key regulatory event of prenatal renal programming, which possibly represents a fundamental link between maternal nutritional factors during gestation and reduced nephron number.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Vornweg
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
- Faculty of Biology
| | - Alexander Combes
- Anatomy and Neuroscience
- Cell Biology Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Julia Plappert
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
| | - Gesa Rafflenbeul
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
| | | | - Raza-Ur Rahman
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, and
| | - Timur Liwinski
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, and
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Lindner
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
| | | | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine
- Department of Neuroanatomy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Child Health Research Centre and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Boerries
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, Lübeck, Germany; and
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research
- Laboratory of Computational Systems Biology, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melissa H Little
- Cell Biology Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wibke Bechtel-Walz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine,
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, and
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Center for Biological Systems Analysis (ZBSA), and
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Departments of
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10
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Volovelsky O, Nguyen T, Jarmas AE, Combes AN, Wilson SB, Little MH, Witte DP, Brunskill EW, Kopan R. Hamartin regulates cessation of mouse nephrogenesis independently of Mtor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:5998-6003. [PMID: 29784808 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1712955115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrogenesis concludes by the 36th week of gestation in humans and by the third day of postnatal life in mice. Extending the nephrogenic period may reduce the onset of adult renal and cardiovascular disease associated with low nephron numbers. We conditionally deleted either Mtor or Tsc1 (coding for hamartin, an inhibitor of Mtor) in renal progenitor cells. Loss of one Mtor allele caused a reduction in nephron numbers; complete deletion led to severe paucity of glomeruli in the kidney resulting in early death after birth. By contrast, loss of one Tsc1 allele from renal progenitors resulted in a 25% increase in nephron endowment with no adverse effects. Increased progenitor engraftment rates ex vivo relative to controls correlated with prolonged nephrogenesis through the fourth postnatal day. Complete loss of both Tsc1 alleles in renal progenitors led to a lethal tubular lesion. The hamartin phenotypes are not dependent on the inhibitory effect of TSC on the Mtor complex but are dependent on Raptor.
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Abstract
Wilms' tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common pediatric renal cancer. The tumors morphologically resemble embryonic kidneys with a disrupted architecture and are associated with undifferentiated metanephric precursors. Here, we discuss genetic and epigenetic findings in Wilms' tumor in the context of renal development. Many of the genes implicated in Wilms' tumorigenesis are involved in the control of nephron progenitors or the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Whereas the first group of genes has been extensively studied in normal development, the second finding suggests important roles for miRNAs in general-and specific miRNAs in particular-in normal kidney development that still await further analysis. The recent identification of Wilms' tumor cancer stem cells could provide a framework to integrate these pathways and translate them into new or improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hohenstein
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom;
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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