Tubulogenesis in the developing mammalian kidney.
How do fibroblasts spontaneously organize into a polarized epithelial tube? This question has fascinated scientists studying the mammalian kidney for more than 40 years. The formation of epithelial tubules in the developing mammalian kidney involves both the aggregation of mesenchymal cells and their conversion into polarized epithelium, as well as the growth and branching morphogenesis of existing epithelium. The interactions among mesenchyme, epithelia and, more recently, the stroma, have been well characterized and provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying complex organ development. Cell signaling pathways and transcription factors have been defined through genetic and biochemical assays such that a picture of early kidney tubulogenesis is beginning to emerge.
Dept of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Dressler@umich.edu
Gregory
G
Dressler
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005589:Foxes; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000196:embryology*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D014513:Ureter / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development
C495040:Gdnf protein, mouse; C495041:Gdnf protein, rat; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors