| First Author | van Ineveld RL | Year | 2021 |
| Journal | Dev Dyn | Volume | 250 |
| Issue | 11 | Pages | 1568-1583 |
| PubMed ID | 33848015 | Mgi Jnum | J:312349 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6784112 | Doi | 10.1002/dvdy.346 |
| Citation | van Ineveld RL, et al. (2021) LGR6 marks nephron progenitor cells. Dev Dyn 250(11):1568-1583 |
| abstractText | BACKGROUND: Nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) undergo a stepwise process to generate all mature nephron structures. Mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) is considered a multistep process of NPC differentiation to ensure progressive establishment of new nephrons. However, despite this important role, to date, no marker for NPCs undergoing MET in the nephron exists. RESULTS: Here, we identify LGR6 as a NPC marker, expressed in very early cap mesenchyme, pre-tubular aggregates, renal vesicles, and in segments of S-shaped bodies, following the trajectory of MET. By using a lineage tracing approach in embryonic explants in combination with confocal imaging and single-cell RNA sequencing, we provide evidence for the multiple fates of LGR6+ cells during embryonic nephrogenesis. Moreover, by using long-term in vivo lineage tracing, we show that postnatal LGR6+ cells are capable of generating the multiple lineages of the nephrons. CONCLUSIONS: Given the profound early mesenchymal expression and MET signature of LGR6(+) cells, together with the lineage tracing of mesenchymal LGR6(+) cells, we conclude that LGR6+ cells contribute to all nephrogenic segments by undergoing MET. LGR6+ cells can therefore be considered an early committed NPC population during embryonic and postnatal nephrogenesis with potential regenerative capability. |
