Abstract 214: (pro) Renin Receptor Stimulates the Expression of Fibrotic Genes in Mouse Collecting Ducts Cells via Wnt/β-catenin Signaling, Independently of Angiotensin II

Abstract

The prorenin receptor (PRR) is upregulated in the kidney by high angiotensin II (Ang II) states such as those that occur with AngII-dependent hypertension and low salt diet. The PRR is an accessory protein of the vacuolar H-ATPase, which facilitates Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in fibrosis processes. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the stimulation of PRR in mouse collecting duct M-1 cells induces fibrotic genes independently of Ang II, and if this effect is mediated by activation of Wnt/β-catenin. Both Ang II (10 -7 M) and human recombinant prorenin (hRPr; 2,5 x 10 -8 M) treatments (8 and 16 hours) increased mRNA and protein levels of fibronectin and collagen I (1.5±0.08 and 1.5 ± 0.1 fold change, respectibely; p<0.05); however, the effects of hRPr were elicited earlier. Likewise, Ang II and hRPr stimulated the Wnt target genes, cyclin D1 and c-myc (cyclin D1: 2±0.2 for both; c-myc: 1.4 ± 0.03 and 1.2± 0.002 fold change for Ang II and hRPr, respectively; p<0.001). Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade with candesartan (10 -7 M) completely prevented the Ang II-dependent stimulation but not the effects of hRPr on Wnt signaling genes. Upregulation of fibronectin and collagen I genes by Ang II or hRP at 16 h was prevented by Wnt signaling inhibition with Pyrvinium Pamoate (10 -7 M). The data indicate that in M-1 cells, activation of AT1R and PRR stimulate the synthesis of fibrotic genes via Wnt signaling by independent mechanisms.