The bigger the better: determining nephron size in kidney.

ABSTRACT: The main functions of the kidney are to excrete metabolic waste products and actively reabsorb essential molecules such as amino acids, ions, glucose and water. In humans, a wide range of genetic disorders exist characterized by wasting of metabolically important compounds. At the cellular level, more than 20 highly specialized renal epithelial cell types located in different segments of the nephron contribute to the reabsorption process. In particular, proximal tubular cells play a crucial role and are uniquely adapted to maximize reabsorption efficiency. They accommodate high numbers of transporters and channels by increasing the apical surface area in contact with the primary filtrate by forming a brush border as well as undergoing hypertrophy and hyperplasia. This adaptation is evoluti

SUBMITTER: Wessely O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3944135 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature