A Review of the Application of Single-Cell Transcriptomics to Identify Cellular Transition in Differentiated Kidney Collecting Tubule Cells in Adult Mice by Notch Signaling and Receptor Expression

Transcriptomics has allowed for a better understanding of disease, and the sequencing of individual genes is becoming a leadingapproach to discovering novel germ lines. A newly defined cell type, described as transitional cells, was characterized based ontheir expression of key marker genes that define principle cells (PC) and intercalated cells (IC). Gene expression patterns suggested that a Notch signaling pathway was activated during the transition from IC to PC. An experimental model studying thetransition in an inducible transgenic mouse demonstrated that Notch signaling and receptor expression is sufficient to drive celltransition in differentiated adult kidney collecting tubule. The identification of novel cell lines allows for a more accurate diagnosisof kidney disease and precise staging of disease. Molecular profiling and precision therapy will continue to revolutionize the fieldof medicine and warrants further exploration.