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Published on: February 4, 2015
Kidney development: from ureteric bud formation to branching morphogenesis.
1Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, HHSC1416, New York, NY 10032, USA. om2142@columbia.edu
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Understanding epithelial branching morphogenesis is key to organ development. This review details ureteric bud formation and epithelial branching in kidney development, crucial for forming filtration units.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Organogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epithelial branching morphogenesis is essential for forming organs like kidneys, lungs, and vasculature.
- The process involves a simple epithelial tube forming a complex tree structure through reiterative branching.
- Kidney development relies on ureteric bud (UB) formation and its interaction with metanephric mesenchyme.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular networks and interactions governing kidney branching morphogenesis.
- To focus on ureteric bud (UB) formation and epithelial branching during kidney development.
- To highlight the invasion of metanephric mesenchyme by the UB as a fundamental step.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies combining mouse genetics and chimeric analysis.
- Live imaging techniques to observe branching morphogenesis in real-time.
- Analysis of molecular networks and cellular interactions.
Main Results:
- Recent studies have uncovered key molecular networks and interactions controlling kidney branching.
- The invasion of metanephric mesenchyme by the ureteric bud is a critical event.
- This process determines the kidney's cyto-architecture and nephron number.
Conclusions:
- Ureteric bud invasion is fundamental for kidney cyto-architecture and nephron formation.
- Understanding these branching mechanisms is vital for regenerative medicine and treating congenital kidney diseases.
- Further research into molecular pathways will elucidate organ development and disease pathologies.
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