Vesicoureteral Reflux and Other Urinary Tract Malformations in Mice Compound Heterozygous for Pax2 and Emx2
2011

Urinary Tract Anomalies in Mice with Pax2 and Emx2 Gene Mutations

Sample size: 29 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Boualia Sami K., Gaitan Yaned, Murawski Inga, Nadon Robert, Gupta Indra R., Bouchard Maxime

Primary Institution: McGill University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the genetic interaction between Pax2 and Emx2 in the development of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).

Conclusion

The findings reveal that compound heterozygous Pax2;Emx2 mice exhibit a high incidence of urinary tract anomalies, including vesicoureteral reflux.

Supporting Evidence

  • Compound heterozygous Pax2;Emx2 embryos showed a high incidence of urinary tract malformations.
  • 55% of Pax2+/−;Emx2+/− newborns experienced vesicoureteral reflux at low pressure.
  • Histological analysis revealed normal nephron differentiation in compound heterozygous kidneys.

Takeaway

Mice with mutations in two specific genes, Pax2 and Emx2, have a lot of problems with their kidneys and urinary tracts, which can help us understand similar issues in humans.

Methodology

The study involved generating compound heterozygous mice and assessing them for urinary tract anomalies through visual inspection and measurements.

Limitations

The study was conducted on a specific genetic background, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.005

Statistical Significance

p=0.005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021529

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