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Updated: May 18, 2026
08:06
Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney
Published on: April 22, 2011
Lgr5(+ve) stem/progenitor cells contribute to nephron formation during kidney development
Nick Barker1, Maarten B Rookmaaker, Pekka Kujala
1Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research/University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. nicholas.barker@imb.a-star.edu.sg
Cell Reports
|September 25, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified Lgr5 as a marker for kidney stem cells during development. These Lgr5-positive cells generate specific nephron parts, offering insights into kidney development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Multipotent stem cells are crucial for kidney development.
- Understanding early nephron progenitor populations is essential for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize stem/progenitor cells in the developing kidney.
- To assess the role of Lgr5 in marking these early nephron progenitors.
Main Methods:
- Documented expression of the adult stem cell marker Lgr5 in the developing kidney.
- Utilized in vivo lineage tracing to assess the stem/progenitor identity of Lgr5-positive cells.
Main Results:
- Lgr5 expression was observed in developing nephrons, coinciding with the S-shaped body stage.
- Lgr5-positive cells were identified as progenitors for the thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule.
- Lgr5 expression was transient, silenced after postnatal day 7.
Conclusions:
- Lgr5 marks a specific stem/progenitor population in nascent nephrons.
- This finding aids in understanding developmental defects and isolating human nephron progenitors for therapeutic evaluation.
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