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Neuropilin-1 regulates renin synthesis in juxtaglomerular cells. J Physiol 2024; 602:1815-1833. [PMID: 38381008 DOI: 10.1113/jp285422] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Renin is the key enzyme of the systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays an essential role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte and extracellular volume homeostasis. Renin is mainly produced and secreted by specialized juxtaglomerular (JG) cells in the kidney. In the present study, we report for the first time that the conserved transmembrane receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1) participates in the development of JG cells and plays a key role in renin production. We used the myelin protein zero-Cre (P0-Cre) to abrogate Nrp1 constitutively in P0-Cre lineage-labelled cells of the kidney. We found that the P0-Cre precursor cells differentiate into renin-producing JG cells. We employed a lineage-tracing strategy combined with RNAscope quantification and metabolic studies to reveal a cell-autonomous role for NRP1 in JG cell function. Nrp1-deficient animals displayed abnormal levels of tissue renin expression and failed to adapt properly to a homeostatic challenge to sodium balance. These findings provide new insights into cell fate decisions and cellular plasticity operating in P0-Cre-expressing precursors and identify NRP1 as a novel key regulator of JG cell maturation. KEY POINTS: Renin is a centrepiece of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and is produced by specialized juxtaglomerular cells (JG) of the kidney. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a conserved membrane-bound receptor that regulates vascular and neuronal development, cancer aggressiveness and fibrosis progression. We used conditional mutagenesis and lineage tracing to show that NRP1 is expressed in JG cells where it regulates their function. Cell-specific Nrp1 knockout mice present with renin paucity in JG cells and struggle to adapt to a homeostatic challenge to sodium balance. The results support the versatility of renin-producing cells in the kidney and may open new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
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Renin the show: neuropilin-1's role in regulating juxtaglomerular cells. J Physiol 2024; 602:1659-1660. [PMID: 38493356 DOI: 10.1113/jp286394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
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Neuropilin 1 promotes unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis via RACK1 in renal tubular epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 325:F870-F884. [PMID: 37823194 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00069.2023] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is a single-channel transmembrane glycoprotein whose role and mechanism in renal fibrosis remain incompletely elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effect of NRP1 on renal fibrosis and its potential mechanism. NRP1 expression in the renal sections from patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was detected. Nrp1 overexpression or knockdown plasmid was transfected into mice, TKPTS mouse kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), and rat kidney fibroblasts, after which pathological injury evaluation and fibrosis marker detection were conducted. The direct interaction of the receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1) with NRP1 was validated by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. We found that the upregulated renal NRP1 expression in patients with CKD was located in proximal TECs, consistent with the degree of interstitial fibrosis. In the UUO mouse model, NRP1 expression was upregulated in the kidney, and overexpression of Nrp1 increased the mRNA and protein expression of fibronectin (Fn) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), whereas Nrp1 knockdown significantly reduced Fn and α-SMA expression and downregulated the inflammatory response. NRP1 promoted transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced profibrotic responses in the TKPTS cells and fibroblasts, and Nrp1 knockdown partially reversed these responses. Immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry verified that NRP1 can directly bind to RACK1, and Rack1 knockdown reversed the NRP1-induced fibrotic response. In summary, NRP1 may enhance the TGF-β1 pathway by binding to RACK1, thus promoting renal fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although a few studies have confirmed the correlation between neuropilin 1 (NRP1) and renal diseases, the mechanism of NRP1 in renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of NRP1 on renal fibrosis through in vitro and in vivo experiments and explored the possible downstream mechanisms. We found that NRP1 can stimulate the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, possibly by binding to RACK1, thereby promoting renal fibrosis.
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Formation of the glomerular microvasculature is regulated by VEGFR-3. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F91-F105. [PMID: 36395385 PMCID: PMC9836230 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00066.2022] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction is a key driver of kidney disease. Pathophysiological changes in the kidney vasculature are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), supporting them as potential therapeutic targets. The tyrosine kinase receptor VEGFR-3, encoded by FLT4 and activated by the ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D, is best known for its role in lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutically targeting VEGFR-3 to modulate lymphangiogenesis has been proposed as a strategy to treat kidney disease. However, outside the lymphatics, VEGFR-3 is also expressed in blood vascular endothelial cells in several tissues including the kidney. Here, we show that Vegfr-3 is expressed in fenestrated microvascular beds within the developing and adult mouse kidney, which include the glomerular capillary loops. We found that expression levels of VEGFR-3 are dynamic during glomerular capillary loop development, with the highest expression observed during endothelial cell migration into the S-shaped glomerular body. We developed a conditional knockout mouse model for Vegfr-3 and found that loss of Vegfr-3 resulted in a striking glomerular phenotype characterized by aneurysmal dilation of capillary loops, absence of mesangial structure, abnormal interendothelial cell junctions, and poor attachment between glomerular endothelial cells and the basement membrane. In addition, we demonstrated that expression of the VEGFR-3 ligand VEGF-C by podocytes and mesangial cells is dispensable for glomerular development. Instead, VEGFR-3 in glomerular endothelial cells attenuates VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. Together, the results of our study support a VEGF-C-independent functional role for VEGFR-3 in the kidney microvasculature outside of lymphatic vessels, which has implications for clinical therapies that target this receptor.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Targeting VEGFR-3 in kidney lymphatics has been proposed as a method to treat kidney disease. However, expression of VEGFR-3 is not lymphatic-specific. We demonstrated developmental expression of VEGFR-3 in glomerular endothelial cells, with loss of Vegfr-3 leading to malformation of glomerular capillary loops. Furthermore, we showed that VEGFR-3 attenuates VEGFR-2 activity in glomerular endothelial cells independent of paracrine VEGF-C signaling. Together, these data provide valuable information for therapeutic development targeting these pathways.
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Genetic inactivation of Semaphorin 3C protects mice from Acute Kidney Injury. Kidney Int 2022; 101:720-732. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Serial intravital imaging captures dynamic and functional endothelial remodeling with single-cell resolution. JCI Insight 2021; 6:123392. [PMID: 33848265 PMCID: PMC8262275 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.123392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells are important in the maintenance of healthy blood vessels and in the development of vascular diseases. However, the origin and dynamics of endothelial precursors and remodeling at the single-cell level have been difficult to study in vivo owing to technical limitations. Therefore, we aimed to develop a direct visual approach to track the fate and function of single endothelial cells over several days and weeks in the same vascular bed in vivo using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) of transgenic Cdh5-Confetti mice and the kidney glomerulus as a model. Individual cells of the vascular endothelial lineage were identified and tracked owing to their unique color combination, based on the random expression of cyan/green/yellow/red fluorescent proteins. Experimental hypertension, hyperglycemia, and laser-induced endothelial cell ablation rapidly increased the number of new glomerular endothelial cells that appeared in clusters of the same color, suggesting clonal cell remodeling by local precursors at the vascular pole. Furthermore, intravital MPM allowed the detection of distinct structural and functional alterations of proliferating endothelial cells. No circulating Cdh5-Confetti+ cells were found in the renal cortex. Moreover, the heart, lung, and kidneys showed more significant clonal endothelial cell expansion compared with the brain, pancreas, liver, and spleen. In summary, we have demonstrated that serial MPM of Cdh5-Confetti mice in vivo is a powerful technical advance to study endothelial remodeling and repair in the kidney and other organs under physiological and disease conditions.
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Nrp-1 Mediated Plasmatic Ago2 Binding miR-21a-3p Internalization: A Novel Mechanism for miR-21a-3p Accumulation in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells during Sepsis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2370253. [PMID: 32923478 PMCID: PMC7453242 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2370253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SAKI), which is an independent risk factor for sepsis-associated death, is unclear. A previous study indicates that during sepsis miR-21a-3p accumulates in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) as the mediator of inflammation and mediates TEC malfunction by manipulating its metabolism. However, the specific mechanism responsible for the accumulation of miR-21a-3p in TECs during sepsis is unrevealed. In this study, a cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis rat model and rat TEC line were used to elucidate the mechanism. Firstly, miR-21a-3p and Ago2 levels were found out to increase in both plasma and TECs during sepsis, and the increase of intracellular Ago2 and miR-21a-3p could be mitigated when Ago2 was either inactivated or downregulated in septic plasma. Moreover, membrane Nrp-1 expression of TECs was increased significantly during sepsis and Nrp-1 knockdown also mitigated the rise of both the intracellular Ago2 and miR-21a-3p levels in TECs incubated with septic plasma. Furthermore, it was revealed that Ago2 can be internalized by TECs mediated with Nrp-1 and this process had no effect on the intracellular content of miR-21a-3p. Both Ago2 and miR-21a-3p could bind to TECs derived Nrp-1 directly. Finally, it was determined that miR-21a-3p was internalized by TECs via Nrp-1 and Ago2 facilitated this process. Taken together, it can be concluded from our results that Ago2 binding miR-21a-3p from septic plasma can be actively internalized by TECs via Nrp-1 mediated cell internalization, and this mechanism is crucial for the rise of intracellular miR-21a-3p content of TECs during sepsis. These findings will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying SAKI and aid in developing novel therapeutic strategies.
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Platelet-derived Growth Factor-α and Neuropilin-1 Mediate Lung Fibroblast Response to Rigid Collagen Fibers. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:454-465. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0173oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Urinary Neuropilin-1: A Predictive Biomarker for Renal Outcome in Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184601. [PMID: 31533337 PMCID: PMC6769814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, Lupus Nephritis (LN) is still awaiting a biomarker to better monitor disease activity, guide clinical treatment, and predict a patient’s long-term outcome. In the last decade, novel biomarkers have been identified to monitor the disease, but none have been incorporated into clinical practice. The transmembrane receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is highly expressed by mesangial cells and its genetic deletion results in proteinuric disease and glomerulosclerosis. NRP-1 is increased in kidney biopsies of LN. In this work we were interested in determining whether urinary NRP-1 levels could be a biomarker of clinical response in LN. Our results show that patients with active LN have increased levels of urinary NRP-1. When patients were divided according to clinical response, responders displayed higher urinary and tissue NRP-1 levels at the time of renal biopsy. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, comparing baseline creatinine, proteinuria, urinary NRP-1, and VEGFA protein levels, showed NRP-1 to be an independent predictor for clinical response. In addition, in vitro studies suggest that NRP-1could promote renal recovery through endothelial proliferation and migration, mesangial migration and local T cell cytotoxicity. Based on these results, NRP-1 may be used as an early prognostic biomarker in LN.
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Foxc2 is essential for podocyte function. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14083. [PMID: 31062503 PMCID: PMC6503019 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxc2 is one of the earliest podocyte markers during glomerular development. To circumvent embryonic lethal effects of global deletion of Foxc2, and to specifically investigate the role of Foxc2 in podocytes, we generated mice with a podocyte-specific Foxc2 deletion. Mice carrying the homozygous deletion developed early proteinuria which progressed rapidly into end stage kidney failure and death around postnatal day 10. Conditional loss of Foxc2 in podocytes caused typical characteristics of podocyte injury, such as podocyte foot process effacement and podocyte microvillus transformation, probably caused by disruption of the slit diaphragm. These effects were accompanied by a redistribution of several proteins known to be necessary for correct podocyte structure. One target gene that showed reduced glomerular expression was Nrp1, the gene encoding neuropilin 1, a protein that has been linked to diabetic nephropathy and proteinuria. We could show that NRP1 was regulated by Foxc2 in vitro, but podocyte-specific ablation of Nrp1 in mice did not generate any phenotype in terms of proteinuria, suggesting that the gene might have more important roles in endothelial cells than in podocytes. Taken together, this study highlights a critical role for Foxc2 as an important gene for podocyte function.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Earlier works of the glomerulogenesis described morphological steps and protein expression during in-vivo and in-vitro kidney development. Recent technologies using cell-specific or conditional knock-out mice for several factors provide important knowledge about cross-talk signaling among resident cells as local events. Based on the recent advancement, this review revisits comprehensive morphological development of the glomerulus. RECENT FINDINGS Interactions of presumptive podocyte vascular endothelial growth factor with vascular endothelial growth factor-2 on angioblasts initiate glomerular vascularization. In induced pluripotent stem cells or organoid-derived nephron formation, the lack of endothelium and mesangial cells under differentiated podocytes suggests the presence of another unknown mechanism for glomerular neovascularization. Mesangial cell migration is prerequisite for glomerular looping by interaction of endothelial platelet-derived grothe factor beta and mesangial platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta and requires the coreceptor neuropilin1. Development of the filtration barrier is promoted by cross-talk among resident cells and may need shear stress. The components of the glomerular basement membrane change during glomerulogenesis, and endothelium and podocytes produce laminin and type IV collagen α1 and α2, whereas type IV collagen α3, α4, α5 is derived only from podocytes. SUMMARY Glomerulogenesis progresses by dynamic cellular migration/differentiation induced by cross-talk signaling in resident cells. Glomerular vasculogenesis and subsequent capillary development provide insight into glomerular regeneration and remodeling for medical application.
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Vascularizing organogenesis: Lessons from developmental biology and implications for regenerative medicine. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 132:177-220. [PMID: 30797509 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Organogenesis requires tightly coordinated and patterned growth of numerous cell types to form a fully mature and vascularized organ. Endothelial cells (ECs) that line blood vessels develop alongside the growing organ, but only recently has their role in directing epithelial and stromal growth been appreciated. Endothelial, epithelial, and stromal cells in embryonic organs actively communicate with one another throughout development to ensure that the organ forms appropriately. What signals tell blood vessel progenitors where to go? How are tissues influenced by the vasculature that pervades it? In this chapter, we review the ways in which crosstalk between ECs and epithelial or stromal cells during development leads to a fully patterned pancreas, lung, or kidney. ECs in all of these organs are necessary for proper epithelial and stromal growth, but how they direct this process is organ- and time-specific, highlighting the concept of dynamic EC heterogeneity. We end with a discussion on how understanding cell-cell crosstalk during development can be applied therapeutically through the generation of transplantable miniature organ-like tissues called "organoids." We will discuss the current state of organoid technology and highlight the major challenges in forming a properly patterned vascular network that will be critical in transforming them into a viable therapeutic option.
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Dietary Chrysin Suppresses Formation of Actin Cytoskeleton and Focal Adhesion in AGE-Exposed Mesangial Cells and Diabetic Kidney: Role of Autophagy. Nutrients 2019; 11:E127. [PMID: 30634545 PMCID: PMC6705957 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGE) play a causative role in the development of aberrant phenotypes of intraglomerular mesangial cells, contributing to acute/chronic glomerulonephritis. The aim of this study was to explore mechanistic effects of the flavonoid chrysin present in bee propolis and herbs on actin dynamics, focal adhesion, and the migration of AGE-exposed mesangial cells. The in vitro study cultured human mesangial cells exposed to 33 mM glucose and 100 μg/mL AGE-bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) for up to 5 days in the absence and presence of 1⁻20 μM chrysin. The in vivo study employed db/db mice orally administrated for 10 weeks with 10 mg/kg chrysin. The presence of ≥10 μM chrysin attenuated mesangial F-actin induction and bundle formation enhanced by AGE. Chrysin reduced the mesangial induction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by glucose, and diminished the tissue α-SMA level in diabetic kidneys, indicating its blockade of mesangial proliferation. The treatment of chrysin inhibited the activation of vinculin and paxillin and the induction of cortactin, ARP2/3, fascin-1, and Ena/VASP-like protein in AGE-exposed mesangial cells. Oral administration of chrysin diminished tissue levels of cortactin and fascin-1 elevated in diabetic mouse kidneys. Mesangial cell motility was enhanced by AGE, which was markedly attenuated by adding chrysin to cells. On the other hand, chrysin dampened the induction of autophagy-related genes of beclin-1, LC3 I/II, Atg3, and Atg7 in mesangial cells exposed to AGE and in diabetic kidneys. Furthermore, chrysin reduced the mTOR activation in AGE-exposed mesangial cells and diabetic kidneys. The induction of mesangial F-actin, cortactin, and fascin-1 by AGE was deterred by the inhibition of autophagy and mTOR. Thus, chrysin may encumber diabetes-associated formation of actin bundling and focal adhesion and mesangial cell motility through disturbing autophagy and mTOR pathway.
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Neuropilin-1 and platelet-derived growth factor receptors cooperatively regulate intermediate filaments and mesenchymal cell migration during alveolar septation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018. [PMID: 29543041 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00511.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Generation of secondary alveolar septa occurs primarily after birth in humans and is complete in mice postnatally, when mechanical stresses vary as air space pressure oscillates. Alveolar mesenchymal cells deposit elastic fibers, which limit cell strain; although when the elastic fiber network is incomplete, this function is also served by the intracellular cytoskeleton. Intermediate filament proteins support deformation during cell division and migration, which occur during septal elongation. Because platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) signaling is essential for alveolar septation, we hypothesized that neuropilin-1 (NRP1) may link PDGFRα to cytoskeletal deformation. During cell migration, NRP1 links receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling. Therefore, we examined the consequences of nrp1 gene deletion in alveolar mesenchymal cells (myofibroblasts and pericytes). NRP1 depletion reduced the proportion of mesenchymal cells that contain nestin and desmin within the subpopulation that lacked PDGFRα but contained PDGFRβ. Desmin was reduced at alveolar entry rings, air spaces were enlarged, and surface area was reduced after NRP1 depletion. PDGFRα and NRP1 colocalized to membrane lipid rafts, which are known to contain Src kinase. NRP1 depletion reduced alveolar mesenchymal cell migration and PDGF-A-mediated activation of Src kinase, which may limit accumulation of desmin at septal tips (alveolar entry rings). Cooperation between NRP1 and PDGF signaling is required for secondary septation, and manipulation of NRP1 could promote alveolar regeneration without producing fibrosis.
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