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Photostimulation by Femtosecond Laser Activates Extracellular-signal-regulated Kinase ERK Signaling or Mitochondrial Events in Target Cells
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Photostimulation by Femtosecond Laser Activates Extracellular-signal-regulated Kinase ERK Signaling or Mitochondrial Events in Target Cells

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MAPK/ERK Signaling in Regulation of Renal Differentiation

Kristen Kurtzeborn1,2, Hyuk Nam Kwon3,4, Satu Kuure5,6,7

  • 1Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland. kristen.kurtzeborn@helsinki.fi.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are common birth defects. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway activity is crucial for kidney development and may be linked to Wilms' tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatric Nephrology

Background:

  • Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are frequent birth defects impacting renal differentiation.
  • CAKUT is a primary cause of pediatric end-stage renal disease, with unresolved genetic underpinnings.
  • The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway is implicated in kidney development and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in understanding the role of MAPK/ERK signaling in kidney development.
  • To explore the involvement of MAPK/ERK in ureteric bud branching morphogenesis and nephrogenesis.
  • To discuss the potential link between aberrant MAPK/ERK signaling and pediatric renal cancers like Wilms' tumor.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on MAPK/ERK signaling in renal development.
  • Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms of ureteric bud branching by MAPK/ERK.
  • Examination of MAPK/ERK's role in nephrogenic mesenchyme maintenance and differentiation.

Main Results:

  • MAPK/ERK activity is essential for regulating ureteric bud branching morphogenesis, influencing kidney size, shape, and nephron number.
  • The MAPK/ERK pathway directly participates in nephrogenesis, affecting the maintenance and differentiation of the nephrogenic mesenchyme.
  • Aberrant MAPK/ERK signaling is associated with various cancers, including a potential role in Wilms' tumor development.

Conclusions:

  • The MAPK/ERK pathway is a critical regulator of kidney development, impacting key processes like branching morphogenesis and nephrogenesis.
  • Understanding MAPK/ERK signaling in CAKUT may provide insights into genetic causes and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Further research into MAPK/ERK's role in Wilms' tumor could elucidate mechanisms of pediatric renal cancer.
Keywords:
MAPK/ERK signalingdifferentiationextracellular signal-regulated kinaseintracellular signalingkidney developmentnephrogenesisprogenitor cellsself-renewalureteric bud branching morphogenesis

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