Recent advances in renal development.

Anatomical development of the kidney is achieved by the reciprocal induction of the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyma. This interaction triggers the process of nephrogenesis and culminates in the formation of the mature kidney. In vivo, nephrogenesis is coordinated with renal vascularization. In fact, vascular precursors, epithelial progenitors, and mesenchymal cells communicate with one another in a highly organized fashion. As a result of this complex interaction, a mature kidney, architecturally and functionally ready for extrauterine life, is produced. This review deals with the relevant molecules and mechanisms governing nephrovascular development.