Open AccessThree-Dimensional Imaging Reveals Ureteric and Mesenchymal Defects in Fgfr2-Mutant Kidneys
Author(s) -
Sunder SimsLucas,
Christos Argyropoulos,
Kayle Kish,
Kirk M. McHugh,
John F. Bertram,
Raymond Quigley,
Carlton M. Bates
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of the american society of nephrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.451
H-Index - 279
eISSN - 1533-3450
pISSN - 1046-6673
DOI - 10.1681/asn.2009050532
Subject(s) - ureteric bud , kidney development , morphogenesis , mutant , biology , kidney , in vivo , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , medicine , anatomy , gene , biochemistry , genetics , embryonic stem cell
Current techniques to morphologically characterize the processes of nephrogenesis and ureteric branching during kidney development have many limitations. Here, we used in vivo three-dimensional analysis to study renal development in mice lacking fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in the ureteric bud (Fgfr2(UB-/-)) and in littermate controls. We found that Fgfr2(UB-/-) mice have more severe defects in ureteric branching morphogenesis than previously reported, including significantly fewer branches and tips than control mice. Furthermore, these mice had decreased ureteric volume and surface area and longer ureteric segments than control mice. We also observed previously unrecognized abnormalities in nephrogenesis, including a gradual increase in volume and surface area during maturation from renal vesicles to mature nephrons, in the mutant mice. Finally, we quantified many events of normal renal development that are either difficult or impossible to measure without this three-dimensional technique. In summary, the three-dimensional approach is a powerful and quantitative means to characterize branching morphogenesis and nephrogenesis.