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Expression of metanephric nephron‐patterning genes in differentiating mesonephric tubules
Author(s) -
Georgas K.M.,
Chiu H.S.,
Lesieur E.,
Rumballe B.A.,
Little Melissa H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.22640
Subject(s) - mesonephros , mesonephric duct , biology , nephron , pronephros , microbiology and biotechnology , efferent , efferent ducts , anatomy , tubule , medicine , kidney , endocrinology , gene , epididymis , zebrafish , genetics , sperm , embryonic stem cell , afferent
The metanephros is the functional organ in adult amniotes while the mesonephros degenerates. However, parallel tubulogenetic events are thought to exist between mesonephros and metanephros. Mesonephric tubules are retained in males and differentiate into efferent ducts of the male reproductive tract. By examining the murine mesonephric expression of markers of distinct stages and regions of metanephric nephrons during tubule formation and patterning, we provide further evidence to support this common morphogenetic mechanism. Renal vesicle, early proximal and distal tubule, loop of Henle, and renal corpuscle genes were expressed by mesonephric tubules. Vip , Slc6a20b , and Slc18a1 were male‐specific. In contrast, mining of the GUDMAP database identified candidate late mesonephros‐specific genes, 10 of which were restricted to the male. Among the male‐specific genes are candidates for regulating ion/fluid balance within the efferent ducts, thereby regulating sperm maturation and genes marking tubule‐associated neurons potentially critical for normal male reproductive tract function. Developmental Dynamics 240:1600–1612, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.