Developmental expression and functional significance of Kir channel subunits in ureteric bud and nephron epithelia

Kir channel subunit expression during development of the rat collecting-duct epithelium was quantified by RT-PCR of primary monolayer cultures. mRNAs of the vascular-type K(ATP) (K(NDP)) channel-forming subunits Kir6.1/SUR2 were highly expressed in early ureteric bud generations (embryonic day E14) and downregulated thereafter, while Kir1.1b (ROMK2) mRNA increased fourfold during cortical collecting duct (CCD) maturation. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, Kir6.1 protein was abundant in the apical and basolateral plasma membranes of early ureteric buds and trunks (E15 to postnatal day P1), downregulated thereafter and not detectable in CCD and outer medullary collecting ducts (OMCD) (P7). During nephron development, Kir6.1 protein was expressed ubiquitously on plasma membranes of early nephron stages from mesenchymal condensations to S-shaped bodies. After fusion of nephron and CCD, Kir6.1 protein was restricted to the apical membrane of proximal tubule. The Kir6/SUR2 channel opener, pinacidil (100 microM/2 days), increased tubulogenesis in organ culture by a factor of 3. Cell proliferation of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) which endogenously express Kir6.1/SUR2 mRNA was stimulated by pinacidil in a dose-dependent manner, an effect that was partially abolished by glibenclamide (3 microM). In summary, Kir6.1/SUR2 channel subunits are highly expressed during early development of ureteric bud and nephron epithelia where Kir6.1/SUR2 activity regulates cell proliferation.