The microRNA-processing enzyme dicer maintains juxtaglomerular cells. J Am Soc Nephrol 2010 Mar;21(3):460-7
Date
01/09/2010Pubmed ID
20056748Pubmed Central ID
PMC2831866DOI
10.1681/ASN.2009090964Scopus ID
2-s2.0-77949905292 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 130 CitationsAbstract
Juxtaglomerular cells are highly specialized myoepithelioid granulated cells located in the glomerular afferent arterioles. These cells synthesize and release renin, which distinguishes them from other cells. How these cells maintain their identity, restricted localization, and fate is unknown and is fundamental to the control of BP and homeostasis of fluid and electrolytes. Because microRNAs may control cell fate via temporal and spatial gene regulation, we generated mice with a conditional deletion of Dicer, the RNase III endonuclease that produces mature microRNAs in cells of the renin lineage. Deletion of Dicer severely reduced the number of juxtaglomerular cells, decreased expression of the renin genes (Ren1 and Ren2), lowered plasma renin concentration, and decreased BP. As a consequence of the disappearance of renin-producing cells, the kidneys developed striking vascular abnormalities and prominent striped fibrosis. We conclude that microRNAs maintain the renin-producing juxtaglomerular cells and the morphologic integrity and function of the kidney.
Author List
Sequeira-Lopez ML, Weatherford ET, Borges GR, Monteagudo MC, Pentz ES, Harfe BD, Carretero O, Sigmund CD, Gomez RAAuthor
Curt Sigmund PhD Chair, Professor in the Physiology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsBlood Pressure
Cell Count
DEAD-box RNA Helicases
Disease Models, Animal
Endoribonucleases
Fibrosis
In Situ Hybridization
Juxtaglomerular Apparatus
Kidney Diseases
Mice
Mice, Knockout
MicroRNAs
Renal Circulation
Renin
Ribonuclease III
