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Melatonin Receptor 1 and Melatonin Receptor 2 Expression During Human Kidney Development and Their Association with
Ann-Kathrin Schmitt1, Victoria Tjora1, Nela Kelam1,2
1Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Journal of Developmental Biology
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Altered expression of melatonin receptors MTNR1A and MTNR1B in fetal kidneys with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) suggests melatonin signaling impacts kidney development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Melatonin is crucial for kidney development and function.
- Disrupted fetal circadian signaling is linked to CAKUT.
- Melatonin receptors MTNR1A and MTNR1B roles in fetal kidney development are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize developmental and spatial expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B.
- Compare expression in normal fetal kidneys versus CAKUT phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 40 human fetal kidneys (controls and CAKUT phenotypes).
- Classified samples into developmental phases Ph2-Ph4.
- Used immunofluorescence and ImageJ for quantitative analysis.
Main Results:
- MTNR1A expressed in glomeruli and interstitial cells; MTNR1B in glomeruli and tubules.
- CAKUT kidneys showed higher MTNR1A and MTNR1B expression than controls.
- Phase-dependent differences in MTNR1A and MTNR1B expression were observed in CAKUT kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Altered MTNR1A and MTNR1B developmental expression in CAKUT suggests melatonin signaling involvement.
- Findings link melatonin signaling pathways to abnormal human kidney development.
