Six1 regulates Grem1 expression in the metanephric mesenchyme to initiate branching morphogenesis

Dev Biol. 2011 Apr 1;352(1):141-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.027. Epub 2011 Jan 31.

Abstract

Urinary tract morphogenesis requires subdivision of the ureteric bud (UB) into the intra-renal collecting system and the extra-renal ureter, by responding to signals in its surrounding mesenchyme. BMP4 is a mesenchymal regulator promoting ureter development, while GREM1 is necessary to negatively regulate BMP4 activity to induce UB branching. However, the mechanisms that regulate the GREM1-BMP4 signaling are unknown. Previous studies have shown that Six1-deficient mice lack kidneys, but form ureters. Here, we show that the tip cells of Six1(-/-) UB fail to form an ampulla for branching. Instead, the UB elongates within Tbx18- and Bmp4-expressing mesenchyme. We find that the expression of Grem1 in the metanephric mesenchyme (MM) is Six1-dependent. Treatment of Six1(-/-) kidney rudiments with GREM1 protein restores ampulla formation and branching morphogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that genetic reduction of BMP4 levels in Six1(-/-) (Six1(-/-); Bmp4(+/-)) embryos restores urinary tract morphogenesis and kidney formation. This study uncovers an essential function for Six1 in the MM as an upstream regulator of Grem1 in initiating branching morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / drug effects
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Gene Dosage / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental* / drug effects
  • Gene Silencing / drug effects
  • Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Kidney / embryology
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Mesoderm / cytology
  • Mesoderm / drug effects
  • Mesoderm / embryology*
  • Mesoderm / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Morphogenesis* / drug effects
  • Organogenesis / drug effects
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Ureter / cytology
  • Ureter / drug effects
  • Ureter / embryology
  • Ureter / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Bmp4 protein, mouse
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
  • Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Grem1 protein, mouse
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Six1 protein, mouse
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Tbx18 protein, mouse
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt11 protein, mouse