Redirection of renal mesenchyme to stromal and chondrocytic fates in the presence of TGF-Β2

Abstract

Many members of the transforming growth factor-Β (TGF-Β) superfamily have been shown to be important regulators of metanephric development. In this study, we characterized the effect of TGF-Β2 on metanephric development. Rat and mouse metanephroi cultured in the presence of exogenous TGF-Β2 for up to 15 days were small, and contained rudimentary ureteric branches and few glomeruli. These metanephroi were mostly comprised of mesenchymal cells, with two cell populations (designated Type 1 and Type 2 cells) evident. Type 1 cells were only observed when TGF-Β2 was added from the commencement of culture, they resembled chondroblasts and were Alcian Blue and Col IIB positive. Type 2 cells were obs..