Three Optimized Methods for In Situ Quantification of Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Embryonic Kidneys Using BrdU, EdU, and PCNA.

Background: Nephron progenitor cells derived from the metanephric mesenchyme undergo a complex balance of self-renewal and differentiation throughout kidney development to give rise to the mature nephron. Cell proliferation is an important index of progenitor population dynamics. However, accurate and reproducible in situ quantification of cell proliferation within progenitor populations can be technically difficult to achieve due to the complexity and harsh tissue treatment required of certain protocols.