Abstract
The emergence of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) in early embryonic life leads to the many rounds of nephrogenesis that result in a richly endowed kidney by the end of gestation. A delicate balance between NPC differentiation and self-renewal must be maintained to guarantee optimal nephron endowment. Genetic errors which disturb NPC cell fate can result in premature NPC depletion and renal hypoplasia/dysplasia or permit the B-catenin mutations that accompany malignant transformation into a Wilms tumor. Retention of a small population of NPCs scattered throughout the adult kidney are important for recovery from acute tubular injury later in life. In this review, we cover the role of NPCs in both mammalian kidney development and disease.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
