Exploring the Role of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Renal Multiciliated Cell Development in the Zebrafish Embryonic Kidney

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are specialized epithelial cells that are found throughout the human body to aid in proper organ function. Specifically, this cell type helps to provide the force needed to direct fluid and material flow. Although MCCs are not found in the normal adult human kidney, they have been identified in biopsies of multiple renal diseases. MCCs are a poorly understood aspect of human renal health and development. However, multiple studies have taken an interest in bettering our understanding of these cells within the context of the kidney. A previous study performed by Marra et al. in 2019 aimed to determine chemical regulators of MCC development in the zebrafish nephron. Cannabinoids were included in this chemical screen, and interestingly resulted in a decrease of MCC numbers. This finding indicates a possible role for endocannabinoids in MCC development. Recently it has been discovered, that the ECS may be a therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease (Dao and François, 2021). While a large emphasis has been placed on the study of the ECS in the context of these diseases, little has been considered for its role in renal development itself. Through the use the zebrafish as a model, this thesis aims to better understand the role of endocannabinoid signaling in MCC development.