miRNAs in mammalian ureteric bud development

Pediatr Nephrol. 2014 Apr;29(4):745-9. doi: 10.1007/s00467-013-2734-y. Epub 2014 Jan 23.

Abstract

The collecting duct network and the urothelium of the ureter of the metanephric kidney are derived from the ureteric bud epithelium, initially an outgrowth from the caudal end of the Wolffian duct at the onset of the metanephric kidney development. The tips of the ureteric bud epithelium undergo reiterative branching morphogenesis, which generates more tips and trunks, whereas the ureteric trunks grow and differentiate into principal cells and intercalated cells of the collecting ducts that regulate body water and acid-base homeostasis. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of small non-coding RNAs that regulate a diversity of biological processes including organogenesis, mostly by negatively regulating their target gene expression. In this review, I will summarize the current knowledge on the critical roles of miRNAs expressed in the ureteric bud epithelium in ureteric bud morphogenesis and differentiation, including ureteric bud branching morphogenesis, collecting duct terminal differentiation, cystogenesis of the collecting ducts, and ureter development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / embryology*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Organogenesis / genetics*
  • Ureter / embryology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs