LGR6 marks nephron progenitor cells

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) are essential for forming mature kidney structures through a process called mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET).
• A specific marker for NPCs undergoing MET during nephrogenesis has been lacking.
• Understanding NPC differentiation is key to kidney development and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a novel marker for nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) during mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET).
• To investigate the role and developmental trajectory of LGR6+ cells in nephrogenesis.
• To determine the potential of LGR6+ cells in kidney regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized lineage tracing in embryonic explants.
• Employed confocal imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Conducted long-term in vivo lineage tracing in postnatal models.

Main Results:

• Identified LGR6 as a marker for NPCs, present from early cap mesenchyme through S-shaped bodies, tracking MET.
• Demonstrated diverse cell fates of LGR6+ cells during embryonic kidney development.
• Confirmed that postnatal LGR6+ cells can generate multiple nephron lineages.

Conclusions:

• LGR6+ cells are identified as a critical early-committed NPC population.
• These cells contribute to all nephrogenic segments via MET.
• LGR6+ cells exhibit potential for kidney regeneration.