Mineralocorticoid receptor and embryonic stem cell models: molecular insights and pathophysiological relevance

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling is pivotal for numerous physiological processes and implicated in various pathological conditions concerning among others, tight epithelia, central nervous and cardiovascular systems. For decades, the pleiotropic actions of MR have been investigated using animal and cellular models as well as by clinical studies. Here is reviewed and contextualized the utilization of a strategy that recently emerged to analyze the complexity of MR signaling: the derivation and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell models. ES cells were derived from wild-type or transgenic MR overexpressing animals. Undifferentiated ES cells were differentiated into cardiomyocytes, neurons and adipocytes, these cell types being important pathophysiological targets of MR. These approaches have already brought new insights concerning MR effect on cardiomyocyte contractility and ionic channel remodeling, in the regulation of neuronal MR expression and its positive role on neuron survival. Differentiated ES cell models thus constitute powerful and promising tools to further decipher the molecular mechanisms of cell-specific MR actions.