WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Is Required for Integration of CD₂₄₊ Renal Progenitor Cells into Glycerol-Damaged Adult Renal Tubules

Figure 7

β-catenin/TCF pathway reporter activity in exogenous CD₂₄₊ cells during integration into the glycerol-damaged adult renal tubule. (a–h) CD₂₄₊ cells (0.5 million) were isolated by FACS from embryonic E15 mice bearing the β-catenin/TCF reporter and infused into CD1 wild-type adult mice 3 days after i.m. administration of glycerol 8 μL/g or PBS (control). Kidney sections were stained with X-Gal to identify β-catenin/TCF reporter activity (blue) after an additional 3 days. (a) Minimal β-catenin/TCF reporter activity is seen after infusion of CD₂₄₊ cells into control mice. (b-c) Strong β-catenin/TCF reporter activity (arrow) is seen in exogenous cells integrated into glycerol-damaged renal tubules. (d-e) β-catenin/TCF reporter activity (arrow) is seen in exogenous cells integrated into the S1 segment of glycerol-damaged proximal tubules. (f) β-catenin/TCF reporter activity (arrow) is seen in exogenous cells integrated into the urinary pole of Bowman’s capsule. (g-h) Exogenous CD₂₄₊ cells integrated into glycerol-damaged renal tubules exhibit both β-catenin/TCF reporter activity and strong staining for the marker of cell proliferation, PCNA (red) (asterisk). Scale bars: 50 μm.

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