Figure 6. Wnt Overexpression in the Ureteric Bud Leads to Kidney Agenesis.

Expression of a stabilized allele of β-catenin (Catnb^exon3flox) in the Wollfian duct using HoxB7Cre to activate transgene expression phenocopies the Lrp4 knockout phenotype with both uni- and bilateral kidney agenesis (a-c). The formation of the Wolffian duct and distal ureters as well as bladder and adrenal glands remained unaffected. The asterisks (a and b) indicate the position of regular kidneys. The arrows (b and c) indicate the predicted position of kidneys that have not formed.