Expansion of interstitial cells in the adult kidney is a hallmark of chronic disease, whereas their proliferation during fetal development is necessary for organ formation. An intriguing difference between adult and neonatal kidneys is that the neonatal kidney has the capacity to control interstitial cell proliferation when the target number has been reached. In this study, we define the consequences of inactivating the TGFβ/Smad response in the interstitial cell lineage. We find that pathway inactivation through loss of Smad4 leads to over-proliferation of interstitial cells regionally in the kidney medulla. Analysis of markers for BMP and TGFβ pathway activation reveals that loss of Smad4 primarily reduces TGFβ signaling in the interstitium. While TGFβ signaling is reduced in these cells, marker analysis shows that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is increased. Our analysis supports a model in which Wnt/β-catenin mediated proliferation is attenuated by TGFβ/Smad to ensure that proliferation ceases when the target number of interstitial cells has been reached in the neonatal medulla.
Smad4 controls proliferation of interstitial cells in the neonatal kidney
Development Journal Meeting 2022: From Stem Cells to Human Development
-JournalMeeting.png?versionId=3939)
Following a virtual meeting in 2020, we are delighted to announce that the fifth iteration of our popular Journal Meeting will be held from 11-14 September 2022 at the historic Wotton House, Surrey. Registration is open now.
Preprints in Development
(update)-InPreprints.png?versionId=3939)
As part of our efforts to support the use of preprints and help curate the preprint literature, we are delighted to launch a new article type: ‘In preprints’. These pieces will discuss one or more recent preprints and place them in a broader context.
Submit your next Techniques and Resources paper to Development
-TechniquesAndResources.png?versionId=3939)
Development regularly publishes Techniques and Resources papers. These manuscripts describe a novel technique, a substantial advance of an existing technique, or a new resource that will have a significant impact on developmental biology research. Find out more here.
Transitions in development: Rashmi Priya
(update)-RashmiPriya.png?versionId=3939)
Rashmi Priya’s research group uses the zebrafish heart as a model system to understand the complex morphogenetic events of organogenesis. We interviewed Rashmi to learn about her career path so far, and to discuss the challenges of starting a lab in the middle of a global pandemic.
The Node Network
-NodeNetwork.png?versionId=3939)
The Node Network is a global directory of developmental and stem cell biologists, designed to help you find speakers, referees, panel members and potential collaborators. Find out more about the Node Network.
Social media
