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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney
Published on: April 22, 2011
Expression of Notch pathway genes in the embryonic mouse metanephros suggests a role in proximal tubule development
Cornelia Leimeister1, Nina Schumacher, Manfred Gessler
1Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biozentrum, Physiological Chemistry I, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The interaction of neighboring cells via Notch signalling leads to cell fate determination, differentiation and patterning of highly organized tissues. Mice with targeted disruption of genes from the Notch signal transduction pathway display defects in the developing somites, neurogenic structures, blood vessels, heart and other organs. Recent studies have added requirements for Notch signalling during kidney, pancreas and thymus morphogenesis. Here, we describe the expression of all four receptors (Notch1-4), the five transmembrane ligands (Dll1, 3, 4, Jag1 and Jag2), intracellular effectors (the Hey genes) and extracellular modulators (Lfng, Mfng, Rfng) in the developing mouse metanephros. Our results point to a Lfng-dependent role for Notch signalling in the development of nephron segments, especially the proximal tubules.
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