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The role of tissue-fixed macrophages in apoptosis in the developing kidney
Abstract:
Programmed cell death (PCD) and cell type involving dying cells in the developing mouse and human fetal kidneys were investigated using the modified TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method in combination with immunohistochemistry. We identified many TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells mainly in the nephrogenic region in the developing mouse and human fetal kidneys. Tissue-fixed macrophages were widely distributed throughout the developing mouse and human fetal kidneys, including the nephrogenic zone. Most of the apoptotic cells in the nephrogenic zone were phagocytosed by tissue-fixed macrophages, suggesting that tissue-fixed macrophages play an important role in the process of PCD in the developing mouse kidney and human fetal kidney.
Insights
Tissue-fixed macrophages engulf apoptotic cells during fetal kidney development in mice and humans. This phagocytosis is crucial for programmed cell death (PCD) in the developing kidney nephrogenic zone.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for tissue development and homeostasis.
- The role of specific cell types, particularly macrophages, in clearing apoptotic cells during organogenesis requires further elucidation.
- Kidney development involves intricate processes of cell proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cell types involved in programmed cell death (PCD) within developing mouse and human fetal kidneys.
- To determine the role of tissue-fixed macrophages in the clearance of apoptotic cells during kidney development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the modified TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay to identify apoptotic cells.
- Employed immunohistochemistry to identify specific cell types, including macrophages.
- Combined TUNEL and immunohistochemistry to co-localize apoptotic cells and macrophages in fetal kidney tissues.
Main Results:
- Numerous TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were detected primarily in the nephrogenic region of developing mouse and human fetal kidneys.
- Tissue-fixed macrophages were found distributed throughout the developing kidneys, including the nephrogenic zone.
- A significant proportion of apoptotic cells in the nephrogenic zone were observed to be phagocytosed by tissue-fixed macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Tissue-fixed macrophages play a significant role in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells during programmed cell death in developing mouse and human fetal kidneys.
- Macrophage-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells is a critical mechanism in regulating cell numbers and tissue sculpting during kidney organogenesis.