The Wnt/JNK signaling target gene alcam is required for embryonic kidney development.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Proper development of nephrons is essential for kidney function. β-Catenin-independent Wnt signaling through Fzd8, Inversin, Daam1, RhoA and Myosin is required for nephric tubule morphogenesis. Here, we provide a novel mechanism through which non-canonical Wnt signaling contributes to tubular development. Using Xenopus laevis as a model system, we found that the cell-adhesion molecule Alcam is required for proper nephrogenesis and functions downstream of Fzd3 during embryonic kidney development. We found alcam expression to be independent of Fzd8 or Inversin, but to be transcriptionally regulated by the β-Catenin-independent Wnt/JNK pathway involving ATF2 and Pax2 in a direct manner. These novel findings indicate that several branches of Wnt signaling are independently required for proximal tubule development. Moreover, our data indicate that regulation of morphogenesis by non-canonical Wnt ligands also involves direct transcriptional responses in addition to the effects on a post-translational level.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Cizelsky, W; Tata, A; Kühl, M; Kühl, SJ

Published Date

  • May 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 141 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 2064 - 2074

PubMed ID

  • 24764076

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1477-9129

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1242/dev.107938

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England