Metanephric transforming growth factor-beta 1 regulates nephrogenesis in vitro

Development of the metanephric kidney during embryogenesis is regulated by a number of polypeptide growth factors of renal origin. We have defined previously a role for insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II and for transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha. To delineate the effect of TGF-beta 1, on renal organogenesis, we cultured metanephroi surgically dissected from 13-day-old rat embryos in serum-free chemically defined media. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was present in kidneys from 13-day-old rat embryos, and positive immunostaining for TGF-beta 1 could be demonstrated in cultured metanephroi. However, TGF-beta bioactivity could not be detected in media obtained from the metanephroi. Addition of 10(-9) M TGF-beta 1 to cultures inhibited tubulogenesis, but had no effect on synthesis of IGF-I or -II. Addition of anti-TGF-beta 1 antibodies to cultures accelerated tubulogenesis within the metanephric blastema. These findings establish the potential for TGF-beta 1 production within the rat metanephros during development in vivo. It is possible that this peptide exerts a negative control on the process of tubulogenesis within metanephric blastema and in this manner acts to shape the architecture of mature kidney.