Epigenetic regulation of kidney progenitor cells
Biao Huang, Zhenqing Liu, Ariel C. Vonk, Zipeng Zeng, Zhongwei Li
Abstract
Abstract The reciprocal interactions among the different embryonic kidney progenitor populations lay the basis for proper kidney organogenesis. During kidney development, three types of progenitor cells, including nephron progenitor cells, ureteric bud progenitor cells, and interstitial progenitor cells, generate the three major kidney structures—the nephrons, the collecting duct network, and the stroma, respectively. Epigenetic mechanisms are well recognized for playing important roles in organism development, in fine-tuned control of physiological activities, and in responses to environment stimuli. Recently, evidence supporting the importance of epigenetic mechanisms underlying kidney organogenesis has emerged. In this perspective, we summarize the research progress and discuss the potential contribution of novel stem cell, organoid, and next-generation sequencing tools in advancing this field in the future. Significance statement Kidney dysplasia is usually attributed to the failure of kidney progenitor cells during kidney development. Recently, great progress has been made in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms controlling the activities of kidney progenitor cells in mammalian kidney development. This perspective summarizes this progress and offers new insights into the potential application of novel technical tools in advancing this field.