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Defining the dynamic chromatin landscape of nephron progenitors

ABSTRACT: Six2+ cap mesenchyme cells, also called nephron progenitor cells (NPC), are a multipotent stem cell population and precursors of all epithelial cell types of the nephron, the filtering unit of the kidney. In mammals, formation of new nephrons ceases perinatally associated with a surge in NPC differentiation. Current evidence indicates that perinatal “old” NPC have a greater tendency to exit the progenitor niche and differentiate into nascent nephrons than their embryonic “young” counterparts. Understanding the biological underpinnings of NPC aging may offer insights to rejuvenate old NPC and expand the progenitor pool. In the present study, we compared the chromatin landscape of young and old NPC and found common features reflecting their shared lineage but also intrinsic differences in chromatin accessibility and enhancer landscape supporting the view that old NPC and epigenetically poised for differentiation. Annotation of open chromatin regions and active enhancers uncovered the transcription factor Bach2 as a potential link between the pro-renewal MAPK/AP1 and pro-differentiation Six2/b-catenin pathways that might be of critical importance in regulation of NPC fate. Our data provide the first glimpse of the dynamic chromatin landscape of NPC and serve as a platform for future studies of the impact of genetic or environmental perturbations on the epigenome of NPC.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE124804 | GEO | 2019/05/09

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Bulk ATAC_seq on GFP expressing FACS-isolated cells from E16.5 and P0 Six2TGC and compound Ezh1 and Ezh2 mutant kidneys( Six2TGC_Ezh2-/- , Ezh1+/-; Six2TGC_Ezh2-/-; and Ezh1-/- ; scRNA-seq analysis of NPCs (Six2/GFP+ cells) from E16.5 as well as P2 kidneys. Genotypes analyzed: Six2TGC (E16.5&P2), Six2TGCEzh2-/- (E16.5), Ezh1+/-;Six2TGCEzh2-/- (E16.5), and Ezh2-/-;Six2TGCEzh2-/- (E16.5) Six2/GFP+ nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) give rise to all epithelial cell types of the nephron, the filtering unit of the kidney. NPCs have a limited lifespan and are consumed near the time of birth. Pre-term birth or prenatal stress further shorten the lifespan of NPCs and result in nephron deficit and chronic kidney disease. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to better understand the factors that regulate NPC lifespan in order to develop novel regenerative strategies. Epigenetic factors are implicated in maintenance of organ-restricted progenitors such as NPCs, but the chromatin-based mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we examined the role of the H3K27 methyltransferases, Enhancer of zeste (Ezh1 and Ezh2), in NPC maintenance using a combination of gene targeting, chromatin profiling, and single-cell RNA analysis. We find that Ezh2 expression correlates with NPC growth potential, and that Ezh2 is the dominant H3K27 methyltransferase in NPCs and epithelial descendants. Surprisingly, NPCs lacking H3K27me3 maintain their progenitor state albeit cycle slowly leading to formation of fewer nephrons. Unlike Ezh2 loss-of-function, dual inactivation of Ezh1 and Ezh2 triggers overexpression of the transcriptional repressor Hey1 and downregulation of Six2 and result in unscheduled activation of Wnt4-driven differentiation, early termination of nephrogenesis and severe renal dysgenesis. Double-mutant NPCs also overexpress the Six family member, Six1. However, in this context, Six1 is unable to access the closed Six2 enhancer and fails to maintain NPC stemness. At the chromatin level, Ezh1 and Ezh2 act by restricting accessibility of AP1 factors to their genomic binding motifs and their absence provokes a regulatory landscape akin of differentiated and non-lineage cells. We conclude that Ezh2 is required for NPC renewal potential, while maintenance of NPC lifespan and tempering the differentiation program require cooperation of both Ezh1 and Ezh2.

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Defining the dynamic chromatin landscape of nephron progenitors

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