ECM modulated early kidney development in embryonic organ culture

Here, the authors, explore the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents on renal structure formation during renal organogenesis. By culture of microdissected E11.5 kidney rudiments, the show that specific ECM components, including collagen I and laminin, supported nephronal and tubular structure formation of the developing organ. Culture on laminin-111 promoted development as shown by more bud tips and more nephrons.