BackgroundThe repertoire of protein expression along the renal tubule depends both on regulation of transcription and regulation of alternative splicing that can generate multiple proteins from a single gene.MethodsA full-length, small-sample RNA-seq protocol profiled transcriptomes for all 14 renal tubule segments microdissected from mouse kidneys.ResultsThis study identified >34,000 transcripts, including 3709 that were expressed in a segment-specific manner. All data are provided as an online resource (https://esbl.nhlbi.nih.gov/MRECA/Nephron/). Many of the genes expressed in unique patterns along the renal tubule were solute carriers, transcription factors, or G protein–coupled receptors that account for segment-specific function. Mapping the distribution of transcripts associated with Wnk-SPAK-PKA signaling, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone signaling, and cystic diseases of the kidney illustrated the applications of the online resource. The method allowed full-length mapping of RNA-seq reads, which facilitated comprehensive, unbiased characterization of alternative exon usage along the renal tubule, including known isoforms of Cldn10, Kcnj1 (ROMK), Slc12a1 (NKCC2), Wnk1, Stk39 (SPAK), and Slc14a2 (UT-A urea transporter). It also identified many novel isoforms with segment-specific distribution. These included variants associated with altered protein structure (Slc9a8, Khk, Tsc22d1, and Scoc), and variants that may affect untranslated, regulatory regions of transcripts (Pth1r, Pkar1a, and Dab2).ConclusionsFull-length, unbiased sequencing of transcripts identified gene-expression patterns along the mouse renal tubule. The data, provided as an online resource, include both quantitative and qualitative differences in transcripts. Identification of alternative splicing along the renal tubule may prove critical to understanding renal physiology and pathophysiology.

BackgroundProximal tubule cells dominate the kidney parenchyma numerically, although less abundant cell types of the distal nephron have disproportionate roles in water and electrolyte balance.MethodsCoupling of a FACS-based enrichment protocol with single-cell RNA-seq profiled the transcriptomes of 9099 cells from the thick ascending limb (CTAL)/distal convoluted tubule (DCT) region of the mouse nephron.ResultsUnsupervised clustering revealed Slc12a3+/Pvalb+ and Slc12a3+/Pvalb− cells, identified as DCT1 and DCT2 cells, respectively. DCT1 cells appear to be heterogeneous, with orthogonally variable expression of Slc8a1, Calb1, and Ckb. An additional DCT1 subcluster showed marked enrichment of cell cycle–/cell proliferation–associated mRNAs (e.g., Mki67, Stmn1, and Top2a), which fit with the known plasticity of DCT cells. No DCT2-specific transcripts were found. DCT2 cells contrast with DCT1 cells by expression of epithelial sodium channel β- and γ-subunits and much stronger expression of transcripts associated with calcium transport (Trpv5, Calb1, S100g, and Slc8a1). Additionally, scRNA-seq identified three distinct CTAL (Slc12a1+) cell subtypes. One of these expressed Nos1 and Avpr1a, consistent with macula densa cells. The other two CTAL clusters were distinguished by Cldn10 and Ptger3 in one and Cldn16 and Foxq1 in the other. These two CTAL cell types were also distinguished by expression of alternative Iroquois homeobox transcription factors, with Irx1 and Irx2 in the Cldn10+ CTAL cells and Irx3 in the Cldn16+ CTAL cells.ConclusionsSingle-cell transcriptomics revealed unexpected diversity among the cells of the distal nephron in mouse. Web-based data resources are provided for the single-cell data.

Loss of a kidney results in compensatory growth of the remaining kidney, a phenomenon of considerable clinical importance. However, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Here, we used a multi-omic approach in a mouse unilateral nephrectomy model to identify signaling processes associated with compensatory hypertrophy of the renal proximal tubule. Morphometry applied to microdissected proximal tubules showed that growth of the proximal tubule involves a marked, rapid increase in cell volume rather than cell number. Measurements of DNA accessibility (ATAC-seq), transcriptome (RNA-seq) and proteome (quantitative protein mass spectrometry) independently identified patterns of change that are indicative of activation of the lipid-regulated transcription factor, PPARα. Activation of PPARα by fenofibrate administration increased proximal tubule cell size, while genetic deletion of PPARα in mice decreased it. The results indicate that PPARα is an important determinant of proximal tubule cell size and is a likely mediator of compensatory proximal tubule hypertrophy.