Inflammatory Alterations to Renal Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Gene Expression in Mouse Models of Hypertension

To evaluate the specific changes that renal LECs undergo in hypertension (HTN), we performed single-cell RNA sequencing. Using the angiotensin II-induced and salt-sensitive mouse models of HTN, we isolated renal CD31+ and podoplanin+ cells from hypertensive and normotensive mice. Sequencing of these cells revealed three distinct cell types (LECs, myeloid immune cells, and an unusual third population we dubbed multipotent nephron-associated support cells) with unique expression profiles. Mice underwent the angiotensin-II and salt sensitive models of hypertension and had their kidneys removed and aggregated per group (A2 HTN, A2 control, SS HTN, SS control). Kidneys were digested and turned to a single-cell suspension, followed by the isolation of CD31+ and podoplanin+ cells by magnetic separation. We sought to investigate the effects of hypertension on CD31+/podoplanin+ renal lymphatic endothelial cells and to investigate model-specific differences.