Spontaneous calcium activity in metanephric mesenchymal cells regulates branching morphogenesis in the embryonic kidney.

ABSTRACT: The central role of calcium signaling during development of early vertebrates is well documented, but little is known about its role in mammalian embryogenesis. We have used immunofluorescence and time-lapse calcium imaging of cultured explanted embryonic rat kidneys to study the role of calcium signaling for branching morphogenesis. In mesenchymal cells, we recorded spontaneous calcium activity that was characterized by irregular calcium transients. The calcium signals were dependent on release of calcium from intracellular stores in the endoplasmic reticulum. Down-regulation of the calcium activity, both by blocking the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase and by chelating cytosolic calcium, resulted in retardation of branching morphogenesis and a reduced formation of primi

SUBMITTER: Fontana JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6404591 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature