Determinants of epithelial differentiation during early nephrogenesis

Abstract

Organogenesis from undifferentialed progenitor cells and initiation of a society's new journal are developmental processes which share common elements. Both initially require a potent inducing stimulus followed in relatively rapid sequence by the appearance of organ-specific differentiation markers. These events are prerequisites to subsequent proliferation and maturation. Insofar as many postnatal forms of renal disease (e.g., hereditary glomemlopathies, infantile and adult forms of polycystic kidney disease, congenital dysplasias) owe their origins ultimately to disordered nephrogenesis, it is my belief that research in this area of nephrology should expand. It is further hoped that JASN will adopt this particular differentiation marker and serve as a forum for reporting the much-needed new knowledge to be gained. To "induce" the Journal's activity in this area I have summarized current knowledge and suggest directions in need of further investigation.