Related Experiment Videos
The expression of RET and its multiple splice forms in developing human kidney
S M Ivanchuk1, C Eng, W K Cavenee
1Department of Pathology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Oncogene
|April 17, 1997
Summary
RET receptor tyrosine kinase (RET) is crucial for kidney development. This study found RET expression peaks early in human fetal kidney development, suggesting a role for specific RET variants in early kidney growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mammalian kidney development involves inductive events between ureteric bud epithelium and metanephric mesenchyme.
- RET receptor tyrosine kinase is implicated in kidney organogenesis, as evidenced by mouse models lacking functional RET exhibiting kidney agenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of RET and its alternative transcripts during human kidney development.
- To explore the potential role of RET variants in early human kidney organogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was employed to analyze RET gene expression.
- A panel of human fetal kidney RNA samples from 8-24 weeks gestational age was examined.
Main Results:
- RET expression was highest at 14 weeks gestation and decreased by 24 weeks.
- Three alternative RET transcripts were detected, with RET2/6 showing highest expression at 8 weeks and decreasing relative to other transcripts.
- High RET2/6 expression correlated with rapid bud bifurcation during early development.
Conclusions:
- RET expression is dynamic throughout human kidney development, with peak expression in early stages.
- The alternative transcript RET2/6 may play a significant role in the initial growth and differentiation of the human kidney.