branch elongation involved in ureteric bud branching

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The growth of a branch of the ureteric bud along its axis. [GOC:dph, PMID:16916378]

Ureteric bud branching, a critical step in kidney development, is a complex process driven by intricate signaling pathways and cellular interactions. The ureteric bud, an outgrowth from the Wolffian duct, undergoes repeated branching to form the collecting ducts of the kidney. This process involves a series of coordinated events:

1. **Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions:** The ureteric bud epithelium interacts with the surrounding metanephric mesenchyme, a specialized tissue that provides essential signals for branching.

2. **Growth factor signaling:** Several growth factors, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and Wnt proteins, play crucial roles in regulating branching morphogenesis. GDNF, secreted by the metanephric mesenchyme, binds to its receptor RET on the ureteric bud epithelium, triggering downstream signaling pathways that promote branching.

3. **Cell proliferation and differentiation:** Branching involves both cell proliferation and differentiation. The ureteric bud epithelium undergoes rapid cell division at the tips of the branches, leading to elongation and outgrowth. As the branches extend, cells differentiate into specific cell types, such as collecting duct epithelial cells.

4. **Branching pattern:** The branching pattern of the ureteric bud is highly regulated, ensuring the formation of a precise and functional kidney structure. The branching process involves the formation of new buds at specific positions, with the subsequent elongation and differentiation of these buds.

5. **Branch tip formation:** Branch tips are specialized regions where new buds form. These tips are characterized by high levels of cell proliferation and specific gene expression patterns, contributing to the formation of new branches.

6. **Branching termination:** The branching process eventually terminates, ensuring that the kidney acquires its final, functional structure. Termination of branching involves the downregulation of signaling pathways and the induction of cell differentiation.

Overall, ureteric bud branching is a complex and dynamic process involving intricate cellular interactions, signaling pathways, and gene expression patterns. The precise regulation of these events ensures the proper development of the collecting duct system, a critical component of the functional kidney.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)