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Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney
Published on: April 22, 2011
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition in the developing metanephric kidney: gene expression study by differential display
S Y Plisov1, S V Ivanov, K Yoshino
1Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA. plisov@mail.ncifcrf.gov
Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)
|June 22, 2000
Summary
This study identifies key genes regulating kidney epithelial cell differentiation using differential display. It reveals novel gene expressions critical for metanephric mesenchyme to nephron epithelium conversion.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The developing metanephric kidney is a model for studying epithelial cell differentiation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nephron formation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes involved in the conversion of metanephric mesenchyme to nephron epithelium.
- To track gene expression dynamics during kidney morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Differential display (DD) techniques were used on rat metanephric mesenchyme explants.
- Explants were induced with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and conditioned medium (CM).
- RNA hybridization was used to confirm gene expression and localization.
Main Results:
- Seventy-two up- or down-regulated mRNAs were identified, including 36 novel sequences.
- Identified genes include those for cell cycle regulation, transcription factors, signaling, and cell adhesion.
- Expression patterns were correlated with specific cell lineages in the developing kidney.
Conclusions:
- A limited number of interrelated molecular events direct the epithelial conversion of metanephric mesenchyme.
- The study provides insights into critical differentiation processes in kidney development.
- Most identified genes have not been previously linked to kidney epithelial cell differentiation.
