Expression of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in Normal Kidney Development and CAKUT

Background and Objectives: Mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, ERK1/2) regulate key cellular processes essential for kidney development. Disruptions in these signaling pathways can lead to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), a major cause of pediatric kidney disease. This study investigates and compares the expression of these molecules in normal fetal kidneys and CAKUT-affected tissues. Materials and Methods: Forty-three human fetal kidney samples, including controls and specimens with horseshoe, hypoplastic, and dysplastic kidneys, were analyzed across developmental phases 2-4 using immunofluorescence. Quantitative image analysis and statistical comparisons were performed between developmental stages and phenotypes. Results: ERK1/2 expression increased during late development in control kidneys but was significantly reduced in hypoplastic kidneys. p38 showed phase-dependent alterations, with early upregulation in dysplastic kidneys and late elevation in horseshoe kidneys. JNK exhibited significant phase-dependent upregulation in horseshoe kidneys. P38 displayed dynamic expression associated with nephron maturation. Conclusions: MAPK pathways show distinct developmental and phenotype-specific expression patterns in human fetal kidneys. These differences reflect divergent pathogenic mechanisms in CAKUT and may support improved molecular characterization of congenital renal anomalies.