Sources of inductive signals patterning the x. laevis pronephros

Abstract

Despite a thorough understanding of the target genes and factors regulated in response to inductive signalling in the kidney, little is known about the identities or sources of the inductive signals themselves. Previously, most studies have focused on the pronephric tubules, overlooking the other two functional components of the embryonic kidney. The tubules, glomus and duct are capable of forming independently and their development involves different downstream signalling pathways, making it likely that these components respond to inductive signals from different sources. Here that possibility is tested by observing the formation of all three pronephric components in the presence or absence of potential inducing tissues. These data demonstrate the need to consider the functional components of the pronephros individually when researching the sources of inductive signals patterning this organ, and identify anterior neural tissue as a primary candidate source of signals responsible for induction of the duct and glomus.