Identification and developmental analysis of endothelin receptor type-A expressing cells in the mouse kidney

The endothelin (Edn) system plays pleiotropic roles in renal function and various disease processes through two distinct G protein-coupled receptors, Edn receptors type-A (Ednra) and type-B (Ednrb). However, difficulties in the accurate identification of receptor-expressing cells in situ have made it difficult to dissect their diverse action in renal (patho)physiology. We have recently established mouse lines in which lacZ and EGFP are ‘knocked-in’ to the Ednra locus to faithfully mark Ednra-expressing cells. Here we analyzed these mice for their expression in the kidney to characterize Ednra-expressing cells. Ednra expression was first observed in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells around the ureteric bud at E12.5. Thereafter, Ednra expression was widely observed in vascular smooth muscle cells, JG cells and mesenchymal cells in the interstitium. After growth, the expression became confined to vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes and renin-producing JG cells. By contrast, most cells in the nephron and vascular endothelial cells did not express Ednra. These results indicate that Ednra expression may be linked with non-epithelial fate determination and differentiation of metanephric mesenchyme. Ednra-lacZ/EGFP knock-in mice may serve as a useful tool in studies on renal function and pathophysiology of various renal diseases.