Renin expression in developing zebrafish is associated with angiogenesis and requires the Notch pathway and endothelium.

Renin expression in developing zebrafish is associated with angiogenesis and requires the Notch pathway and endothelium. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2015 Jul 22;:ajprenal.00247.2015 Authors: Rider SA, Mullins LJ, Verdon RF, MacRae CA, Mullins JJ Abstract Although renin is a critical regulatory enzyme of the cardiovascular system, its roles in organogenesis and the establishment of cardiovascular homeostasis remain unclear. Mammalian renin-expressing cells are widespread in embryonic kidneys but highly restricted, specialised endocrine cells in adults. With a functional pronephros, embryonic zebrafish are ideal for delineating the developmental functions of renin-expressing cells and mechanisms governing renin transcription. Larval zebrafish renin expression originates in the mural cells of the juxtaglomerular anterior mesenteric artery and subsequently at extra-renal sites. The role of renin was determined by assessing responses to renin-angiotensin system blockade, salinity variation, and renal perfusion ablation. Renin expression did not respond to renal flow ablation, but was modulated by inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme and altered salinity. Our data in larval fish is consistent with conservation of renin's physiologic functions. Using transgenic renin reporter fish, with mindbomb and cloche mutants, we show that Notch signalling and endothelium are essential for developmental renin expression. Following inhibition of ...
Source: Am J Physiol Renal P... - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Am J Physiol Renal Physiol Source Type: research