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Stimulatory and inhibitory signaling molecules that regulate renal branching morphogenesis

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    Darren Bridgewater & Norman D. Rosenblum

  2. Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8

    Darren Bridgewater & Norman D. Rosenblum

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  1. Darren Bridgewater
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  2. Norman D. Rosenblum
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Correspondence to Norman D. Rosenblum.

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Bridgewater, D., Rosenblum, N.D. Stimulatory and inhibitory signaling molecules that regulate renal branching morphogenesis. Pediatr Nephrol 24, 1611–1619 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-008-1048-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-008-1048-y

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