# The role and regulation of pericytes in remodeling the periarterial niche during nephrogenesis

> **NIH NIH F30** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $40,242

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and places an immense burden on the
healthcare system. Many cases of chronic kidney disease eventually result in renal fibrosis, which is
characterized by deposition of excess extracellular matrix (ECM) by myofibroblasts and contributes to eventual
organ failure. Recent studies have identified renal pericytes, a type of perivascular cell that surrounds
endothelial cells of small vessels such as capillaries, as the source of myofibroblasts in fibrosis. Despite this
characterized role in a major disease process, little is known about the developmental origin or role of
pericytes.
We have characterized a novel population of pericytes that surrounds arteries only during development, which
we call periarterial pericytes. We have characterized the origin of these pericytes using murine genetic
reporters. Furthermore, we have identified a potential regulator of pericyte migration, which is present in the
kidney during development. This temporary guidance of periarterial pericytes implies an important role in
arteriogenesis. Our preliminary data suggest that pericytes may be required for collagen production and
vascular smooth muscle differentiation during nephrogenesis, mirroring their pathogenic role in fibrosis. Thus,
the overall goal of this project is to define the role of periarterial pericytes during nephrogenesis in remodeling
the ECM of the periarterial niche to support vascular smooth muscle maturation, as well as to elucidate the
mechanism by their localization is regulated during development. We will utilize murine genetic lineage tracing
tools, in addition to immunofluorescence staining and cutting edge in situ hybridization techniques, to trace the
origin, fate, and gene expression of periarterial pericytes throughout development. We will selectively ablate
pericytes in vivo to assess their requirement in arteriogenesis and smooth muscle coverage. Finally, we will
utilize in vitro models to clarify intracellular interactions that are required for pericyte secretion of ECM and
smooth muscle cell maturation, as well as to elucidate the mechanism by which pericyte migration is regulated.
Collectively, these studies will characterize a novel role of pericytes during development, as well as elucidate
molecular mechanisms that may be dysregulated in disease processes such as renal fibrosis. This information
may inform future therapies for chronic kidney disease or regenerative medicine efforts, both which will be
badly needed as the prevalence of kidney disease grows in the United States and abroad.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10876929
- **Project number:** 5F30DK137405-02
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter Luo
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $40,242
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10876929

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10876929, The role and regulation of pericytes in remodeling the periarterial niche during nephrogenesis (5F30DK137405-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10876929. Licensed CC0.

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