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Control of mammalian kidney development by the Hedgehog signaling pathway

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Abstract

The kidney is the most common site of congenital malformations that result in impaired renal function. Yet, the molecular mechanisms that control renal malformations are poorly understood. The Hedgehog signaling pathway plays critical roles during mammalian organogenesis. Aberrant Hedgehog signaling results in severe congenital abnormalities, including renal malformations. Here, we review the current body of knowledge on Hedgehog signaling during renal morphogenesis and highlight the gaps in our understanding. Furthermore, we propose mechanisms by which Hedgehog signaling contributes to both normal and abnormal renal development.

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Financial support

This work was supported by grants awarded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and the Canada Research Chair Program (to N.D.R).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada

    Jason E. Cain & Norman D. Rosenblum

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

    Jason E. Cain & Norman D. Rosenblum

  3. Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada

    Norman D. Rosenblum

  4. Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Norman D. Rosenblum

  5. Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada

    Norman D. Rosenblum

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  1. Jason E. Cain
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Correspondence to Norman D. Rosenblum.

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Cain, J.E., Rosenblum, N.D. Control of mammalian kidney development by the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Pediatr Nephrol 26, 1365–1371 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-010-1704-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-010-1704-x

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