title: Advanced fixation for transmission electron microscopy unveils special extracellular matrix within the renal stem/progenitor cell niche.
abstract: As well in light as in transmission electron microscopy can be seen that the renal stem/progenitor cell niche shows a special arrangement of two different kinds of stem/progenitor cells. Epithelial cells are found in the tip of an ureteric bud derived CD ampulla encircled by a special basal lamina. Mesenchymal cells are separated from them by a striking interstitial interface. Specimens fixed by conventional glutaraldehyde solution show that the interface looks bright and unremarkable. In contrast, fixation of specimens with glutaraldehyde in combination with cupromeronic blue, ruthenium red, or tannic acid illustrates that the interface contains a remarkable network of extracellular matrix spanning between epithelial and mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. After unpacking this particular extracellular matrix for electron microscopy, elaboration of related functions such as structural composition of contained molecules, binding of morphogenetic factors, and influence on parenchyma development is under current experimental work.
authors: Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, University Street 31, D-93053, Regensburg, Germany, will.minuth@vkl.uni-regensburg.de.
authors: Will W
authors: WW
authors: Minuth
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Denk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D055153:Stem Cell Niche; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*