nephric duct formation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of a nephric duct. A nephric duct is a tube that drains a primitive kidney. [GOC:mtg_kidney_jan10]

Nephric duct formation is a crucial developmental process that establishes the foundation for the urinary system in vertebrates. It begins with the emergence of a specialized cell population, the pronephric mesoderm, located in the anterior region of the embryo. These cells undergo inductive interactions with the adjacent ectoderm, receiving signals that activate a cascade of gene expression. The expression of key transcription factors, such as Pax2 and GATA3, determines the fate of these cells, marking them as the precursors of the nephric duct. These pronephric cells then undergo epithelialization, transitioning from a mesenchymal state to a polarized epithelial structure. This process is characterized by the establishment of tight junctions and adherens junctions, which are essential for maintaining cell polarity and the formation of a continuous tubular structure. The newly formed nephric duct extends posteriorly, a process driven by cellular migration and proliferation. As the duct elongates, it invades the intermediate mesoderm, encountering a population of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the excretory tubules. The interaction between the nephric duct and these mesenchymal cells induces the formation of the nephrogenic mesoderm, which will ultimately differentiate into the kidneys. The nephric duct serves as a crucial conduit for the transport of urine from the developing kidneys to the cloaca, the common opening for the excretory, reproductive, and digestive systems. This complex process involves a precise interplay of signaling pathways, transcription factors, and cell-cell interactions, highlighting the sophisticated orchestration of developmental events.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)