The molecular basis of embryonic kidney development

The development of the mature mammalian kidney begins with the invasion of metanephric mesenchyme by ureteric bud. Mesenchymal cells near the bud become induced and convert to an epithelium which goes on to generate the functional filtering unit of the kidney, the nephron. The collecting duct system...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mechanisms of Development 1997-03, Vol.62 (2), p.105-120
Main Authors: Lechner, Mark S, Dressler, Gregory R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Apoptosis - physiology
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins - physiology
Cell Division - physiology
Drosophila Proteins
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors
Glycoproteins - physiology
Growth Substances - physiology
Induction
Kidney - embryology
Kidney organogenesis
Metanephros
Mice
Nerve Growth Factors
Nerve Tissue Proteins - physiology
Proto-Oncogene Proteins - physiology
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases - physiology
Transcription Factors - physiology
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Wnt Proteins
Wnt4 Protein
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Summary:The development of the mature mammalian kidney begins with the invasion of metanephric mesenchyme by ureteric bud. Mesenchymal cells near the bud become induced and convert to an epithelium which goes on to generate the functional filtering unit of the kidney, the nephron. The collecting duct system is elaborated by the branching ureter, the growth of which is dependent upon signals from the metanephric mesenchyme. The process of reciprocal induction between ureter and mesenchyme is repeated many times over during development and is the key step in generating the overall architecture of the kidney. Genetic studies in mice have allowed researchers to begin to unravel the molecular signals that govern these early events. These experiments have revealed that a number of essential gene products are required for distinct steps in kidney organogenesis. Here we review and summarize the developmental role played by some of these molecules, especially certain transcription factors and growth factors and their receptors. Although the factors involved are far from completely known a rough framework of a molecular cascade which governs embryonic kidney development is beginning to emerge.
ISSN:0925-4773
1872-6356
DOI:10.1016/S0925-4773(97)00667-9