metanephros development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the metanephros over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In mammals, the metanephros is the excretory organ of the fetus, which develops into the mature kidney and is formed from the rear portion of the nephrogenic cord. The metanephros is an endocrine and metabolic organ that filters the blood and excretes the end products of body metabolism in the form of urine. [GOC:bf, ISBN:0192800752]

Metanephros development is a complex process that begins with the formation of the metanephric mesenchyme, a specialized tissue that will give rise to the nephrons, the functional units of the kidney. The metanephric mesenchyme interacts with the ureteric bud, an outgrowth from the Wolffian duct, which will give rise to the collecting ducts and other structures of the kidney. This interaction is crucial for the induction of nephron formation and the subsequent development of the kidney.

The process of metanephric development can be divided into several stages:

1. **Induction:** The ureteric bud secretes factors that induce the metanephric mesenchyme to differentiate into nephrons. These factors include growth factors, such as FGF2 and GDNF, and transcription factors, such as WT1 and PAX2. The metanephric mesenchyme also secretes factors that influence ureteric bud branching and elongation.

2. **Nephron formation:** The induced metanephric mesenchyme condenses into epithelial structures called nephric vesicles. These vesicles then undergo a series of morphogenetic movements and differentiation events to form the different segments of the nephron, including the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule.

3. **Collecting duct formation:** The ureteric bud undergoes extensive branching and elongation, forming the collecting ducts of the kidney. The branches of the ureteric bud also induce the formation of metanephric tubules, which connect to the collecting ducts to form the nephrons.

4. **Maturation:** As the kidney develops, the nephrons and collecting ducts mature and become functional. This includes the development of the vascular system of the kidney, which is essential for filtration and excretion.

The development of the metanephros is a tightly regulated process that involves the coordinated action of multiple signaling pathways, transcription factors, and extracellular matrix components. Disruptions in this process can lead to a variety of congenital kidney defects, such as cystic kidney disease and renal agenesis.'
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (69)