Role of Pericytes in the Development of the Renin/Angiotensin System: Induction of Functional Renin in Cultures of Pericytes

Renal pericytes have a critical importance for angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, medullary blood flow regulation, and development of fibrosis. An emerging role for kidney pericytes is their ability to induce renin expression and synthesis. Here, we present methods for purification of human renal pericytes, their primary culture, and differentiation into renin-producing cells. Possible applications of these protocols include investigations into (1) renin cell recruitment mechanisms, (2) modulation of renin expression/secretion by small molecules, and (3) renin expression/secretion in nonrenal pericytes. A potential therapeutic application of this work is the identification of new players regulating the renin-angiotensin system.