Kidney Development Nephron Number. Low nephron number may be the result of suboptimal nephrogenesis during kidney development and or loss of nephrons once nephrogenesis has been completed. In recent years numerous studies in mutant mouse models as well as a growing number of studies in humans have yielded new insights into the genetic regulation of these developmental processes.
Kidney development apoptosis nephron number nephron pattern cystic kidney disease apoptosis is a process used by multicellular organisms to dispose of unwanted cells in a controlled manner that minimizes damage and disruption to neighboring cells reviewed in ref. The mammalian kidney is a complex organ requiring the concerted function of up to millions of nephrons. Likewise it is known that vitamin a deficiency influences kidney development and is related to a low nephron number 30 31.
1 4 thus factors that affect nephrogenesis in the fetus may not only be critical in kidney development but also affect subsequent adult kidney function and underlie.
In recent years numerous studies in mutant mouse models as well as a growing number of studies in humans have yielded new insights into the genetic regulation of these developmental processes. Conserved and divergent features of human and mouse kidney organogenesis human kidney function is underpinned by approximately 1 000 000 nephrons although the number varies substantially and low nephron number is linked to disease. Nephrogenesis is often considered in the broader context of the development of the urinary and reproductive organs. The low birth weight and nephron number working group has prepared a consensus document aimed to address the relatively neglected issue for the developmental programming of hypertension and ckd.