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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions
Published on: July 2, 2020
Apoptosis related to steroid sulfatase at the cone-shaped projection in nephron morphogenesis
Megumi Nishikawa1, Shunichi Morikawa, Kazuhiko Shimizu
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Japan. meg@research.twmu.ac.jp
Abstract:
Steroid sulfatase (STS) is a microsomal enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of steroid 3beta-sulfates, including estrogen sulfate, at organ target sites. Steroid sulfatase activity, as well as the activity of various estrogens, has been reported to influence the development of organs. In the kidney, progenitor cells of nephrons develop from mesenchymal cells and finally attach to the ureteric duct at the region termed the cone-shaped projection. However, the mechanisms of this process have not been fully investigated. In the present study, STS-related apoptosis occurring between the renal vesicle and ureteric duct was examined using immunohistochemical techniques. Immunoreactivity to STS was demonstrated at the cortical metanephric mesenchyme surrounding new vessels and was pronounced at the junction between the renal vesicle and ureteric duct (cone-shaped junction). Steroid sulfatase-transfected LLC-RK1 cells (rat proximal cell line) were also examined in vitro. Apoptosis occurred when an estrogen precursor (ELS) was added at concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-2) mol/L. These results indicate that STS is synthesized in the progenitor cells of proximal tubules. Moreover, STS may be related to apoptosis occurring at the junction between the renal vesicle and ureteric duct in a manner proportional to the availability of STS precursors.
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