The macula densa is a unique plaque of cells that are within the cortical thick ascending limb (cTAL) and lie next to the mesangial cell/afferent arteriolar complex. When luminal sodium chloride concentration ([NaCl]L is elevated, macula densa detect this increase and transmit signals that cause vasoconstriction and decreases in blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. This tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism is an important regulator of renal hemodynamics. Our work has focused on the nature of this TGF signaling pathway. Recent studies have identified that, an increase in [NaC1]L depolarizes the basolateral membrane potential resulting in calcium entry into macula densa cells through a non-selective cation channel. In addition, an elevation in [NaC1] L also activates a maxichloride (CI) channel at the basolateral membranewhich results in the release of ATP. Since mesangial cells possess purinergic receptors we believe that ATP is a signaling molecule that is involved in communication from macula densa to mesangial cells. To further understand this TGF signaling process, studies will be performed in the isolated perfused cTAL containing the macula densa plaque. Fluorescence microscopy for intracellular ion concentrations, patch-clamp techniques and protein identification using immunofluorescence will be performed. These studies will: 1) further define macula densa-ATP signaling using the newly developed PC12 cell-P2X receptor bioassay. Also studies will be performed to assess the contributions of the various macula densa cell transport pathways to basolateral ATP release, 2) characterize ATP signaling to the underlying mesangial cells and afferent arteriolar smooth muscle cells using state-of-the-art 2 photon confocal microscopy, 3) identify and further characterize the regulation of the recently identified non-selective cation and the maxi Cl channels at the basolateral membrane of macula densa cells, and 4) identify other potential vasoactive agents that may be released by the macula densa cells including nitric oxide, prostglandins, thromboxanes and adenosine. These studies will provide important new insights into this macula densa cell-to-cell TGF signaling pathway which serves a vital role in the regulation of renal hemodynamics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK032032-18
Application #
6634888
Study Section
General Medicine B Study Section (GMB)
Program Officer
Ketchum, Christian J
Project Start
1983-05-01
Project End
2005-02-28
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2004-02-29
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$290,588
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
063690705
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
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Beck Gooz, Monika; Maldonado, Eduardo N; Dang, Yujing et al. (2014) ADAM17 promotes proliferation of collecting duct kidney epithelial cells through ERK activation and increased glycolysis in polycystic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 307:F551-9
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Bell, P Darwin; Fitzgibbon, Wayne; Sas, Kelli et al. (2011) Loss of primary cilia upregulates renal hypertrophic signaling and promotes cystogenesis. J Am Soc Nephrol 22:839-48
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Steele, Stacy L; Wu, Yongren; Kolb, Robert J et al. (2010) Telomerase immortalization of principal cells from mouse collecting duct. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 299:F1507-14
Siroky, Brian J; Ferguson, William B; Fuson, Amanda L et al. (2006) Loss of primary cilia results in deregulated and unabated apical calcium entry in ARPKD collecting duct cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 290:F1320-8
Komlosi, Peter; Frische, Sebastian; Fuson, Amanda L et al. (2005) Characterization of basolateral chloride/bicarbonate exchange in macula densa cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 288:F380-6

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