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Deciphering the cellular and molecular landscapes of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse embryonic kidney development

Hui Zhao1, Hui Gong2, Peide Zhu3

  • 1Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, No. 9 Xing Dao Huan Bei Road, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China.

Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
|September 23, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals how Wnt/β-catenin signaling impacts gene expression in embryonic kidney cells. It identifies key genes and cell types involved in kidney development and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucial for kidney development.
  • Its precise role in regulating gene expression across different embryonic kidney cell types remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation on gene expression in embryonic mouse kidneys.
  • To identify specific genes and cell types regulated by this pathway during kidney development.

Main Methods:

  • Activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in E12.5 mouse kidneys in vitro using CHIR99021.
  • Performed RNA sequencing and analyzed differential gene expression (DEGs) in specific kidney cell populations.
  • Utilized single-cell RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data to link DEGs to cell types and identify direct transcriptional targets.

Main Results:

  • Identified 917 significant DEGs upon Wnt/β-catenin activation, including notable up- and down-regulations of specific genes.
  • Single-cell analysis revealed distinct DEG patterns across 19 cell subtypes, with Macrophage_Apoe high cells showing significant enrichment.
  • Found unique gene expression changes in ureteric buds and cap mesenchyme, and identified 221 direct β-catenin targets.

Conclusions:

  • This research maps the complex gene expression landscape regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling in embryonic kidney cells.
  • The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of kidney development and the pathway's involvement in immune processes.
  • Establishes a foundation for future studies on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in kidney development and disease.
Keywords:
Cap mesenchymeEmbryonic kidney developmentGene expression profilingImmune response in developmentUreteric budWnt/β-catenin signaling

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