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Expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors in the developing and adult mouse kidney
R A Seifert1, C E Alpers, D F Bowen-Pope
1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. ronse@u.washington.edu
Background:
Experimental analysis of gene function is increasingly being accomplished using mouse models. Glomerular malformations occur in mice in which the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-chain gene or the PDGF receptor beta-subunit gene have been deleted. To understand potential PDGF signaling pathways in the kidney, we determined the expression pattern of PDGF ligand and receptor genes in mouse kidney during development and in the mature adult kidney.
Methods:
We used in situ hybridization to map the expression of transcripts encoding the PDGF ligands (A-chain and B-chain) and PDGF receptors (PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta) in the developing and mature kidney of the mouse.
Results:
PDGF A-chain transcripts are expressed by epithelial cells (especially in what appear to be the loop of Henle) and possibly in vascular smooth muscle cells. Its receptor, PDGFRalpha, is expressed by interstitial cells. PDGF B-chain transcripts are most highly expressed by vascular endothelial cells of developing and adult kidney and minimally by visceral epithelia of immature glomeruli. PDGFRbeta transcripts are expressed by fetal blastemal cells, interstitial cells, mesangial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells and by adult mesangial and interstitial cells. PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta expression is especially prominent in lipid-laden interstitial cells in the adult kidney.
Conclusions:
These patterns of expression are similar, but not identical, to those observed in rat and human and suggest that paracrine interactions mediated by the PDGF/PDGF receptor system may coordinate the development of the tubular, vascular, and interstitial components during kidney development and disease.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathways are crucial for kidney development. PDGF A-chain and B-chain ligands and their receptors (PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta) show distinct expression patterns in developing and adult mouse kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Mouse models are essential for studying gene function and kidney development.
- Glomerular malformations are observed in mice lacking platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-chain or PDGF receptor beta-subunit genes.
- Understanding PDGF signaling in the kidney is crucial for insights into kidney development and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the expression patterns of PDGF ligand and receptor genes in the developing and adult mouse kidney.
- To elucidate the role of PDGF signaling in coordinating kidney development.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was used to map gene expression.
- Expression of PDGF ligands (A-chain, B-chain) and receptors (PDGFRalpha, PDGFRbeta) was analyzed.
- Analysis was performed on both developing and mature mouse kidneys.
Main Results:
- PDGF A-chain transcripts are found in epithelial and vascular smooth muscle cells; PDGFRalpha is in interstitial cells.
- PDGF B-chain transcripts are highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells; PDGFRbeta is in various kidney cell types.
- PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta expression is prominent in lipid-laden interstitial cells in adult kidneys.
Conclusions:
- PDGF ligand and receptor expression patterns suggest paracrine signaling pathways.
- These pathways likely coordinate the development of tubular, vascular, and interstitial kidney components.
- Observed patterns are similar to, but not identical to, those in rat and human kidneys.