Inductive role of collagen type IV during nephrogenesis in mice.

Introduction: During nephrogenesis, transition of mesenchyme to the epithelium of tubules and glomeruli occurs via the interaction of ureteral bud and metanephric mesenchyme. The distribution pattern of collagen type IV suggests that a regulated balance of activities is required to facilitate migration of the ureteral bud branches into the mesenchyme and to control early extracellular matrix changes during tubulogenesis. We used a specific antibody for tracing collagen type IV basement membrane during renal tubules morphogenesis.