Crim1KST264/KST264 mice implicate Crim1 in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A activity during glomerular vascular development

Abstract

Crim1, a transmembrane cysteine-rich repeat-containing protein that is related to chordin, plays a role in the tethering of growth factors at the cell surface. Crim1 is expressed in the developing kidney; in parietal cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells of the glomerulus; and in pericytes that surround the arterial vasculature. A gene-trap mouse line with an insertion in the Crim1 gene (Crim1KST264/KST264) displayed perinatal lethality with defects in multiple organ systems. This study further analyzed the defects that are present within the kidneys of these mice. Crim1KST264/KST264 mice displayed abnormal glomerular development, illustrated by enlarged capillary loops, podocyte effacement,..