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Updated: May 5, 2026
08:46
Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
9.2K
Planar cell polarity and the kidney
Eugenia Papakrivopoulou1, Charlotte H Dean2, Andrew J Copp3
1Nephro-Urology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
Summary
Planar cell polarity (PCP) guides kidney development and function. This review explores PCP
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Planar cell polarity (PCP) establishes tissue-wide cell alignment crucial for organogenesis.
- PCP regulates diverse developmental processes in vertebrates, including cell movement and tissue morphogenesis.
- Dysregulation of PCP is implicated in congenital abnormalities and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PCP in kidney development, specifically ureteric bud branching and elongation.
- To discuss the link between PCP defects and the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
- To highlight a novel function of PCP in maintaining the integrity of the kidney filtration barrier.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on PCP in kidney development and disease.
- Analysis of genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying PCP.
- Integration of findings related to ureteric bud morphogenesis, PKD, and filtration barrier function.
Main Results:
- PCP is essential for proper ureteric bud branching and elongation during kidney formation.
- Disruptions in PCP pathways contribute to the development of polycystic kidney disease.
- PCP plays a newly recognized role in regulating the structure and function of the kidney filtration barrier.
Conclusions:
- Planar cell polarity is a critical regulator of kidney development and homeostasis.
- Understanding PCP mechanisms offers insights into kidney disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
- Further research into PCP's role in the filtration barrier is warranted.
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