ally abel
Shared Structures, Divergent Development: A Cross-Species,
Three-Dimensional Visualization of Mammalian Kidney Formation
ABSTRACT
Mammalian kidney development involves two tightly coordinated, concurrent processes: nephrogenesis and branching morphogenesis. This thesis presents the development of 1) animations describing the principles of mammalian kidney development and 2) an interactive 3D visualization platform showcasing the 3D data of developing kidneys. These interventions are designed to facilitate exploration, comparison, and a deeper understanding of kidney development across three mammalian species.
3D INTERACTIVE
Kiemen Lab has developed a comprehensive dataset of cell-level annotated 2D histological images and corresponding 3D reconstructions of fetal kidneys from mouse, rhesus macaque, and human tissues. This web-accessible, anatomical visualization platform allows students and researchers to explore the anatomy developing kidney across 3 mammalian species using these high-quality data sets.
Viewing Modes
Kidney Viewer Mode
Users can orbit around and zoom in to 3D models of the developing kidneys, selecting from three different species. Structures can be to isolated and highlighted to better understand anatomical organization.
Histology Viewer Mode
2D H&E sections of each kidney are shown alongside the 3D reconstructions. Users can explore and select unique histological structures and view the corresponding 3D dimensional model.
Comparison Viewer Mode
Samples from different species can be viewed concurrently, allowing for real-time comparison of anatomical organization.
ANIMATIONS
Because current educational resources describing key stages of kidney development are often limited to dense figures in research papers or textbooks, concise animations depicting keys stages in mammalian renal development were created to improve accessibility of information.
Nephrogenesis
Nephrogenesis is the process by which the nephron develops. The animation below depicts the 4 major morphological states defining this developmental process.
The phases of nephrogenesis include the renal vesicle, comma-shaped body, s-shaped body, and the capillary loop stage.
Branching Morphogenesis
Mammalian branching morphogenesis can be divided into 3 major phases: ureteric branching, arcading, and lateral branching. Each of these phases are involved in the formation of the renal collecting system and are defined by specific nephron attachment patterns.
URETERIC BRANCHING
Ureteric branching animation coming soon!
ARCADING
Developing nephrons form continuous, unified connecting tubule
LATERAL BRANCHING
Developing nephrons attach directly to developing collecting duct
