Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
08:53
Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
44.7K
Axial nephron fate switching demonstrates a plastic system tunable on demand
MaryAnne A Achieng1, Jack Schnell1, Connor C Fausto1
1Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Nature Communications
|August 25, 2025
Summary
Human nephron development relies on integrated WNT, BMP, and FGF signaling pathways. Understanding these mechanisms in kidney organoids reveals plasticity and potential for generating nephron cells.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- The human nephron, crucial for homeostasis, develops ~1 million units per kidney during gestation.
- The precise mechanisms governing human nephron axial patterning remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate axial patterning mechanisms in human nephron development.
- To utilize induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived kidney organoids for studying nephrogenesis.
- To compare organoid development with in vivo human kidney development.
Main Methods:
- Employing iPSC-derived kidney organoids to generate synchronized nephrons.
- Utilizing single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses.
- Manipulating WNT, BMP, and FGF signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Human nephron patterning is orchestrated by integrated WNT/BMP/FGF signaling.
- A WNT-activated/BMP-suppressed state promotes distal nephron identity, maturing into thick ascending loop of Henle cells via FGF.
- FGF suppression induces a proximal cell state, dependent on BMP signaling, highlighting developmental plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Integrated WNT, BMP, and FGF signaling control human nephron axial patterning.
- Kidney organoid systems offer insights into nephron development plasticity.
- This research provides a foundation for on-demand generation of nephron cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Nephrons
3.4K
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
3.4K
01:22Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
101
The kidneys maintain homeostasis through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Tubular reabsorption and secretion are crucial in forming urine and regulating electrolytes, water balance, and waste elimination.Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion ProcessesTubular reabsorption is the process that reclaims essential substances such as electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and water from the glomerular filtrate back into the bloodstream. This is achieved through passive and active transport...
101
01:32Filtration and Urine Formation
50.8K
The function of the kidneys is to filter, reabsorb, secrete, and excrete. Every day the kidneys filter nearly 180 liters of blood, initially removing water and solutes but ultimately returning nearly all filtrates into circulation with the help of osmoregulatory hormones. This process removes wastes and toxins but is also crucial to maintain water and electrolyte levels. Most of these functions are performed by the tiny but numerous nephrons contained within the kidneys.
50.8K
01:20Formation of Dilute Urine
1.8K
The formation of dilute urine is a critical renal adaptation that maintains fluid balance, particularly during periods of high fluid intake. This process primarily involves the juxtamedullary nephrons. By adjusting the permeability of water and ions in response to physiological conditions, the kidneys can either conserve or excrete water, resulting in concentrated or dilute urine.
Filtrate Osmolarity in the PCT
Initially, as the filtrate passes through the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), its...
Filtrate Osmolarity in the PCT
Initially, as the filtrate passes through the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), its...
1.8K
01:20Renal Corpuscle
3.3K
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
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...
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...
3.3K
01:20Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
47
The kidneys concentrate or dilute urine to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Nephrons, particularly the loop of Henle, play a crucial role in this process through the countercurrent multiplication system. This system establishes a high osmolarity in the renal medulla, which is essential for water reabsorption. In the loop of Henle’s descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla due to its permeability to water. In contrast, the ascending limb actively transports...
47