collecting duct development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a collecting duct over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The collecting duct responds to vasopressin and aldosterone to regulate water, electrolyte and acid-base balance. It is the final common path through which urine flows before entering the ureter and then emptying into the bladder. [GOC:mtg_kidney_jan10]

Collecting duct development is a complex and tightly regulated process that forms the final segment of the nephron, responsible for fine-tuning urine concentration and electrolyte balance. This process is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

The development of collecting ducts starts with the formation of the metanephric kidney, which originates from the metanephric mesenchyme and the ureteric bud. The ureteric bud, an outgrowth from the Wolffian duct, invades the metanephric mesenchyme, inducing the formation of nephrons. As the ureteric bud branches and elongates, it gives rise to the collecting ducts.

Several key molecular signaling pathways are involved in collecting duct development:

- **Wnt signaling:** Wnt signaling plays a crucial role in the branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud and the differentiation of collecting duct progenitors. Wnt ligands, secreted proteins, bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events that regulate gene expression.
- **FGF signaling:** Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in regulating the growth and proliferation of collecting duct progenitors, as well as the formation of the collecting duct epithelium. FGFs bind to their receptors on the cell surface, triggering downstream signaling pathways that control cell fate and differentiation.
- **TGF-β signaling:** Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is involved in regulating the differentiation of collecting duct cells and the formation of the tight junctions that seal the epithelium. TGF-β binds to its receptors on the cell surface, activating intracellular signaling pathways that regulate gene expression and cell behavior.
- **Retinoic acid signaling:** Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, plays a role in regulating the expression of genes involved in collecting duct development. Retinoic acid binds to nuclear receptors, triggering the transcription of specific genes involved in cell differentiation and morphogenesis.

The process of collecting duct development can be divided into several stages:

- **Induction and branching morphogenesis:** The ureteric bud interacts with the metanephric mesenchyme, triggering the formation of nephrons and the branching of the ureteric bud. This process is controlled by a complex interplay of growth factors, transcription factors, and extracellular matrix components.
- **Cell proliferation and differentiation:** As the ureteric bud branches, progenitor cells within the bud proliferate and differentiate into different cell types, including principal cells, intercalated cells, and other specialized cell types.
- **Tubule elongation and maturation:** The newly formed collecting ducts elongate and mature, acquiring their characteristic morphology and function. This process involves the formation of tight junctions between epithelial cells, the expression of specific transporters and ion channels, and the regulation of water reabsorption.
- **Integration into the nephron:** The collecting ducts connect to the distal convoluted tubules of the nephrons, forming a continuous pathway for urine flow. This connection is crucial for maintaining the proper function of the nephron and for the efficient regulation of water and electrolyte balance.

Defects in collecting duct development can lead to various kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, renal dysplasia, and obstructive uropathy. Understanding the complex molecular mechanisms that control collecting duct development is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for these disorders.'
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