Stimulatory and inhibitory signaling molecules that regulate renal branching morphogenesis.
Branching morphogenesis, defined as the growth and branching of epithelial tubules, is a fundamental developmental process involved in the formation of a variety of mammalian tissues, including the kidney. Defective renal branching may result in a number of clinically relevant abnormalities, including renal agenesis, renal dysplasia, multiplex kidneys, and hypertension. In this review we describe the morphological events that generate the characteristic tree-like structure of the mammalian collecting system. We also highlight new knowledge related to both established and novel signaling systems that are important for stimulating and inhibiting branching morphogenesis.
Bridgewater
Darren
D
Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Rosenblum
Norman D
ND
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D007685:Kidney Tubules, Collecting / Q000196:embryology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D023421:Models, Animal; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D051153:Wnt Proteins