Abstract
Mutant mice lacking the integrin alpha8 subunit exhibit variable defects in kidney development with most mutants missing both kidneys. Several lines of evidence indicate that the known extracellular matrix ligands for integrin alpha8beta1 are either dispensable for or not involved in alpha8beta1 signaling during kidney development. This suggests the presence of an unknown ligand. A novel alpha8beta1 ligand, nephronectin, has now been identified. Nephronectin is a new extracellular matrix protein associated with the Wolffian duct and the ureteric bud, epithelial structures with well-defined roles in kidney development.
Publication types
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Comment
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism*
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Gene Targeting
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Integrins / genetics
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Integrins / metabolism*
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Kidney / embryology*
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Kidney / metabolism*
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Ligands
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Mesoderm / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Organ Specificity
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Ureter / embryology
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Ureter / metabolism
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Wolffian Ducts / embryology
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Wolffian Ducts / metabolism
Substances
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins
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Integrins
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Ligands
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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integrin alpha8beta1