Calcium/NFAT signalling promotes early nephrogenesis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.033
• Publication Date: 2011-02-04T09:15:35Z
• Authors: S.F. Burn; A. Webb; R.L. Berry; J.A. Davies; A. Ferrer-Vaquer; A.K. Hadjantonakis; N.D. Hastie; P. Hohenstein
• Keywords: NFAT; WNT4; Calcium Signaling

A number of Wnt genes are expressed during, and known to be essential for, early kidney development. It is typically assumed that their products will act through the canonical β-catenin signalling pathway. We have found evidence suggests not active in nephrogenic metanephric mesenchyme, but instead provide expressional functional implicates non-canonical Calcium/NFAT pathway nephrogenesis. Members NFAT (Nuclear Factor Activated T cells) transcription factor gene family throughout murine morphogenesis NFATc3 localised developing nephrons. Treatment rudiments with Cyclosporin (CSA), an inhibitor signalling, decreases nephron formation — a phenotype similar Wnt4−/− embryos. kidneys Ionomycin, activator pathway, partially rescues phenotype. propose plays important role mammalian renal development required for complete MET during nephrogenesis, potentially acting downstream Wnt4.