Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
Kidney regeneration: common themes from the embryo to the adult
M Cecilia Cirio1, Eric D de Groh, Mark P de Caestecker
1Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 5th Ave., 5061 BST3, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
Abstract:
The vertebrate kidney has an inherent ability to regenerate following acute damage. Successful regeneration of the injured kidney requires the rapid replacement of damaged tubular epithelial cells and reconstitution of normal tubular function. Identifying the cells that participate in the regeneration process as well as the molecular mechanisms involved may reveal therapeutic targets for the treatment of kidney disease. Renal regeneration is associated with the expression of genetic pathways that are necessary for kidney organogenesis, suggesting that the regenerating tubular epithelium may be "reprogrammed" to a less-differentiated, progenitor state. This review will highlight data from various vertebrate models supporting the hypothesis that nephrogenic genes are reactivated as part of the process of kidney regeneration following acute kidney injury (AKI). Emphasis will be placed on the reactivation of developmental pathways and how our understanding of the resulting regeneration process may be enhanced by lessons learned in the embryonic kidney.
Related Concept Videos
Whole Body Regeneration
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Overview of Regeneration and Repair
Regeneration
All animals have varying degrees of...
Kidney Structure
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
