The miR-199a/214 Cluster Controls Nephrogenesis and Vascularization in a Human Embryonic Stem Cell Model.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators and they have been implicated in acquired kidney diseases and in renal development, mostly through animal studies. We hypothesized that the miR-199a/214 cluster regulates human kidney development. We detected its expression in human embryonic kidneys by in situ hybridization. To mechanistically study the cluster, we used 2D and 3D human embryonic stem cell (hESC) models of kidney development. After confirming expression in each model, we inhibited the miRNAs using lentivirally transduced miRNA sponges. This reduced the WT1⁺ metanephric mesenchyme domain in 2D cultures. Sponges did not prevent the formation of 3D kidney-like organoids. These organoids, however, contained dysmorphic glomeruli, downregulated WT1, aberrant proximal t

SUBMITTER: Bantounas I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7897558 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature