Renin-expressing cells modulate BP, fluid-electrolyte homeostasis, and kidney
development, but remarkably little is known regarding the genetic regulatory network that
governs the identity of these cells. Here we compared the gene expression profiles of renin
cells with most cells in the kidney at various stages of development as well as after a
physiologic challenge known to induce the transformation of arteriolar smooth muscle cells
into renin-expressing cells. At all stages, renin cells expressed a distinct set of genes …