Genetic Regulation and Renal Development: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) Expression in Early Avian Kidney Systems

• Author(s): RT McNeil ; MA Wazhi ; VE Odey; F Shinku; P Nyango ; MB Mohammed; CN Edeh; NZ Nden ; JS Kumbet; SA Adamu; N Vivash
• Paper ID: 1710361
• Page: 124-129
• Published Date: 03-09-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 3 September-2025

Abstract

Introduction: Like in mammals, the renal kidney develops through three successive slightly overlapping systems; pronephros, mesonephros and metanephros. The pronephros develops from the surrounding mesoderm but gets replaced by the mesonephros around days 3–4 of incubation, functioning from days 5 to 11 before degenerating at around embryonic day 15 as it gets replaced by the definitive metanephric kidney. Renal development across vertebrates involves a complex interplay of genetic and molecular mechanisms; a complex series of morphogenetic events, lead to formation of renal tubules, glomeruli, and collecting ducts. In order to ensure both water and electrolyte homeostasis in the avian embryo that is contained within its egg, the developing metanephric kidneys works in harmony with the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Angiogenesis is a major component of kidney development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) initiates renal vascular development, thus acting as a regulator of kidney development and function (Ferrara et al., 2003). Aim: This study investigates VEGFA expression in avian kidney progenitor cells and its potential role in the first week of avian kidney development . Methods: Fertile eggs of the domestic fowl were incubated at 38 °C with relative humidity of 55–60% and were examined days at day 3–7 of development. Using routine immunofluorescent technique, parrafin sections of embryonic truncal regions at the different developmental stages were examined for VEGFA expression in avian kidney progenitor cells. Results: VEGF was expressed by early kidney progenitor cells (pronephros) from day 3 of development. By day 5-6 of incubation, renal tubular cells showed marked apical expression of VEGF. Discussion and Conclusion: Angiogenesis is vital to the development of the kidney's complex vascular network, that is essential for the organ's function of blood filtration and urine production. Our results show that VEGFA is expressed in avian kidney progenitor cells from day three of incubation. These cells are localized in both the developing renal vasculature and tubules thus promoting angiogenesis and tubulogenesis. This early tubular development is significant considering their role in reabsorption and secretion of substances. VEGFA signaling pathways involve binding to VEGFR, thus activating downstream signaling pathways, and regulating endothelial cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Furthermore, exogenous recombinant human VEGF (rhVEGF) to kidney explants induced differentiation and proliferation of endothelial cells, resulting in vasculogenesis and tubulogenesis. We found the high VEGF expression levels occurred during early stages of avian development; 22-27. This coincides with both the pronephric and mesonephric stages of renal development. Interference to these functions may be the underlying cause in the pathophysiology of some renal diseases.

Keywords

vertebrates, gene expression, VEGF, Renal angiogenesis, tubulogenesis

Citations

IRE Journals:
RT McNeil , MA Wazhi , VE Odey; F Shinku; P Nyango , MB Mohammed; CN Edeh; NZ Nden , JS Kumbet; SA Adamu; N Vivash "Genetic Regulation and Renal Development: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) Expression in Early Avian Kidney Systems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 124-129

IEEE:
RT McNeil , MA Wazhi , VE Odey; F Shinku; P Nyango , MB Mohammed; CN Edeh; NZ Nden , JS Kumbet; SA Adamu; N Vivash "Genetic Regulation and Renal Development: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) Expression in Early Avian Kidney Systems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)