
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 121(52)
Опубликована: Дек. 20, 2024
The formation of functional epithelial tubules is critical for the development and maintenance many organ systems. While mechanisms tubule by cells are well studied, process anastomosis—where connect to form a continuous network—remains poorly understood. In this study, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing analyze embryonic mouse kidney undergoing anastomosis. Our analysis identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as key potential mediator process. To investigate further, developed an assay using spheroids with fluorescently tagged apical surfaces, allowing us visualize quantify tubule–tubule connections. results demonstrate that HGF promotes anastomosis, it does so through MAPK signaling pathway MMPs, independently cell proliferation. Remarkably, treatment collagenase was sufficient induce anastomosis in kidneys. These findings provide foundational understanding how enhance tubular networks. This has significant clinical implications use vitro–grown tissues transplant medicine, potentially improving success integration transplanted tissues.
Язык: Английский