Fig. 1.

Expression of BMP-signaling pathway components within the nephrogenic zone of the embryonic kidney. a The nephrogenic zone is located at the cortex of the E17.5 embryonic kidney, immediately under the capsule. b Further magnification of the boxed region in panel A shows the constituent cell compartments of the nephrogenic zone and an associated S-shaped body or nascent nephron. c Schematic representation of signaling pathways activated by BMP ligand binding to the type I/type II receptor complex at the cell surface. d Consensus gene expression pattern of BMP pathway signaling components based on comparison of reported in situ hybridization data and laser capture microdissection; microarray data from Gudmap. In addition to expression within the nephrogenic zone (CD, CI, CM), expression within the nascent nephron is shown. This structure develops from a renal vesicle through comma- and S-shaped bodies to form the tubular nephron. Abbreviations: C capsule; CD collecting duct; CI cortical interstitium; CM cap mesenchyme; NZ nephrogenic zone; RV renal vesicle; SB S-shaped body