Yap/Taz regulates pericyte differentiation in the embryonic kidney

The embryonic renal stroma is highly heterogeneous; however, the significance of this cellular diversity has been poorly understood. Here, we identify a subpopulation of embryonic stroma with enriched Yap/Taz signaling that functions in supporting the developing microvasculature, demonstrating that distinct stromal cells have unique roles in normal renal development. Mouse models with deletion of the paralogs Yap and Taz in the stromal lineage were generated by crossing Foxd1cre transgenic with mice carrying loxP-flanked Yap (Yapflox/flox or Yapc/c) or Taz/Wwtr1 (Tazflox/flox or Tazc/c) alleles.