Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Dissection and Culture of Mouse Embryonic Kidney
Published on: May 17, 2017
Role of Claudins in Renal Branching Morphogenesis
Jasmine El Andalousi1, Halim Khairallah2, Yuan Zhuang2
1Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
Claudins are a family of tight junction proteins that are expressed during mouse kidney development. They regulate paracellular transport of solutes along the nephron and contribute to the final composition of the urinary filtrate. To understand their roles during development, we used a protein reagent, a truncated version of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE), to specifically remove a subset of claudin family members from mouse embryonic kidney explants at embryonic day 12. We observed that treatment with C-CPE decreased the number and the complexity of ureteric bud tips that formed: there were more single and less bifid ureteric bud tips when compared to control-treated explants. In addition, C-CPE-treated explants exhibited ureteric bud tips with larger lumens when compared to control explants (p < .05). Immunofluorescent analysis revealed decreased expression and localization of Claudin-3, -4, -6, and -8 to tight junctions of ureteric bud tips following treatment with C-CPE. Interestingly, Claudin-7 showed higher expression in the basolateral membrane of the ureteric bud lineage and poor localization to the tight junctions of the ureteric bud lineage both in controls and in C-CPE-treated explants. Taken together, it appears that claudin proteins may play a role in ureteric bud branching morphogenesis through changes in lumen formation that may affect the efficiency by which ureteric buds emerge and branch.
Related Concept Videos
Tight Junctions
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Cell Motility through Blebbing
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

