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Reduced renin expression and altered gene transcript profiles in multicystic dysplastic kidneys
Helen Liapis1, Rajen H Doshi, Mark A Watson
1Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|September 28, 2002
Summary
Renin expression is significantly decreased in multicystic dysplasia, with ectopic production by macrophages linked to hypertension. This suggests renin
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multicystic dysplasia (MCD) can cause infantile hypertension, sometimes treatable by nephrectomy.
- The role of renin in MCD pathophysiology remains largely unknown.
- Investigating renin expression in MCD is crucial for understanding its link to hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate renin expression in nonhypertensive and hypertensive multicystic dysplasia.
- To compare renin expression in MCD with normal kidney tissue.
- To explore global gene transcript profiles in nonhypertensive MCD.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess renin expression in MCD and normal kidney tissues.
- CD-68, a macrophage marker, was used to identify renin-expressing interstitial cells.
- Microarray analysis (GeneChip) was performed on MCD and normal kidney samples to analyze gene expression.
Main Results:
- Renin expression was decreased in MCD arterioles and ectopically expressed in interstitial cells, identified as macrophages.
- Ectopic renin production by macrophages was more pronounced in hypertensive MCD.
- Microarray analysis confirmed a significant decrease in renin transcript expression in MCD.
Conclusions:
- Reduced renin in MCD may contribute to dysplastic vessel development.
- Ectopic renin production by macrophages in hypertensive MCD is a potential factor in hypertension.
- Altered expression of other genes in MCD presents potential molecular targets for future research.