Kidney Development

Kidney Development and Disease brings together established and young investigators who are leading authorities in nephrology to describe recent advances in three primary areas of research. The first section describes the use of animal models as powerful tools for the discovery of numerous molecular mechanisms regulating kidney development. The second section focuses on nephric cell renewal and differentiation, which lead to diverse cell fates within the developing kidney, and discusses diseases resulting from the aberrant regulation of the balance between cell fate decisions. The final section concentrates on morphogenesis of the developing kidney and its maintenance after formation as well as the diseases resulting from failures in these processes. Kidney form and function have been extensively studied for centuries, leading to discoveries related to their development and disease. Recent scientific advances in molecular and imaging techniques have broadened our understanding of nephron development and maintenance as well as the diseases related to these processes.

Kidney Development, Disease, Repair and Regeneration focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of kidney development, exploring the origins of kidney lineages, the development of kidney tissue subcompartments, as well as the genetic and environmental regulation of kidney development. Special coverage is given to kidney stem cells and possible steps towards kidney repair and regeneration. Emphasis is placed on the fetal origins of postnatal renal disease and our current understanding of the molecular basis of damage and repair. Biomedical researchers across experimental nephrology and developmental biology will find this a key reference for learning how the underlying developmental mechanisms of the kidney will lead to greater advances in regenerative medicine within nephrology. Offers researchers a single comprehensive resource written by leaders from both the developmental biology and the experimental nephrology communities Focuses on understanding the molecular basis of organogenesis in the kidney as well as how this can be affected both genetically and environmentally Explains the underlying developmental mechanisms which influence the kidney’s inherent repair capacity Demonstrates how a deeper understanding of mechanisms will lead to greater advances in regenerative medicine

In this monograph the authors have emphasized a number of important concepts in mammalian kidney development. Emphasis has been put on methodology so that the reader can understand how certain results or conclusions were reached and what the optimal methods for reliable results to be obtained are. In addition, as well as descriptions of the morphology there is information on the genetic basis of the structural development. In addition much attention has been paid to how nephron number may be altered by changes in the environment of the developing kidney and to the consequences for the remaining nephron gene expression and kidney function when total nephron number is altered. The consequences for the health of the adult, upon the formation of an adult kidney with altered nephron number and (potentially) gene expression, can be quite serious. The epigenetic mechanisms by which such changes can occur are introduced as a very fertile field for future investigation.

Organogenesis of the kidney has been intensely studied for over a century. In recent years advances in molecular techniques have not only made great inroads into exploring the genetic regulation of this complex process but also began to unravel the molecular basis of many forms of congenital kidney disease. This book is a comprehensive study on these findings and the only book available with such in depth coverage of the kidney. Hundreds of color figures depicting key events in all aspects of kidney development Full coverage of the genetic and cellular basis of kidney development Analysis of the genetic basis of the major congenital kidney diseases

This volume provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review in the field of experimental and human nephrogenesis. The book reviews new data on the effects on kidney development by neonatal asphyxia, obstructive uropathies, nephrotoxic drugs, malnutrition, underfeeding, overfeeding and provides all possible preventive measures to ensure the well-being of the kidney at birth. The book also discusses the possible implications between renal development and the insurgence of kidney disease in adult life and the correlation with renal carcinogenesis. Written by well recognized experts in their fields, Kidney Development in Renal Pathology is a valuable tool for pathologists, neonatologists, nephrologists, gynecologists and researchers with an interest in kidney diseases.

Although this description of a model system for cell differentation and organogenesis emphasizes the mammalian kidney, detailed coverage is also given to the development of the transient excretory organs.

Over the last decade the development of new molecular biology tools, advanced microscopy, live imaging and systems biology approaches have revolutionized our conception of how embryonic development proceeds. One fundamental aspect of development biology is the concept of morphogenesis: understanding how a group of multipotent cells organize and differentiate into a complex organ. In Kidney Development: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail different approaches to tackle kidney development. These approaches include culture and live imaging aspects of kidney development, analyzing the 3-dimensional aspects of branching morphogenesis as well as nephrogenesis, manipulation of the gene/protein expression during kidney development as well as in the adult kidney, and how to assess kidney malformation and disease. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Kidney Development: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in the further study of the process of morphogenesis which is fundamental important not only for studying developmental biology but also for regenerative medicine.

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.