Regulation of cell survival during renal development

Apoptosis occurs in an orchestrated fashion during kidney development. In contrast, it is a relatively rare event in normal developed (adult) kidney. However, a predictable pattern of apoptosis is observed in adult kidney in two settings, during which parts of the developmental pattern are recapitulated. These are regeneration following acute ischemic injury and the process of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease. Apoptosis in kidney is regulated by agents both intrinsic and extrinsic to the renal cell. The protooncogene b-cell lymphoma/leukemia gene product-2 (bcl-2) is an important intrinsic factor. The growth factor epidermal growth factor is an important extrinsic regulator. A thorough understanding of the control of renal apoptosis during development and recovery from ischemic injury and in cystogenesis may lead to new therapies to prevent or ameliorate abnormalities of kidney formation, to enhance regeneration following acute ischemic injury, and to slow the progression of renal failure in polycystic kidney disease. Received October 14, 1997; received in revised form December 10, 1997; accepted January 28, 1998