PHD in the FOXD1 lineage cells links hypoxia to inappropriate nephrogenesis.

Abstract

Insufficient oxygenation during pregnancy negatively influences kidney development, which likely serves as a predisposing factor in chronic kidney disease at later stages in life. In this issue of Kidney International, Kobayashi et al. demonstrate that deletion of prolyl hydroxylase 2 and 3, 2 of the major oxygen sensors, in the FoxD1 lineage cells reduces kidney size and inhibits nephrogenesis in mice. Temporospatial expression pattern and studies on additional knockouts suggest the involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor 2.