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01-04-2014 | Review

Gene regulatory network of renal primordium development

Authors: Michael Marcotte, Richa Sharma, Maxime Bouchard

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Animal development progresses through the stepwise deployment of gene regulatory networks (GRN) encoded in the genome. Comparative analyses in different species and organ systems have revealed that GRN blueprints are composed of subcircuits with stereotypical architectures that are often reused as modular units. In this review, we report the evidence for the GRN underlying renal primordium development. In vertebrates, renal development is initiated by the induction of a field of intermediate mesoderm cells competent to undergo lineage specification and nephric (Wolffian) duct formation. Definition of the renal field leads to the activation of a core regulatory subcircuit composed of the transcription factors Pax2/8, Gata3 and Lim1. These transcription factors turn on a second layer of transcriptional regulators while also activating effectors of tissue morphogenesis and cellular specialization. Elongation and connection of the nephric duct to the cloaca (bladder/urethra primordium) is followed by metanephric kidney induction through signals emanating from the metanephric mesenchyme. Central to this process is the activation and positioning of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf)–Ret signaling pathway by network subcircuits located in the mesenchyme and epithelial tissues of the caudal trunk. Evidence shows that each step of the renal primordium developmental program is regulated by structured GRN subunits organized in a hierarchical manner. Understanding the structure and dynamics of the renal GRN will help us understand the intrinsic phenotypical variability of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and guide our approaches to regenerative medicine.

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Title: Gene regulatory network of renal primordium development
Authors: Michael Marcotte
Richa Sharma
Maxime Bouchard
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-013-2635-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Gene regulatory network of renal primordium development

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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