Functional analysis of Kinesin superfamily protein in kidney development

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In this study, we performed the functional analysis of Kif26b, a member of kinesin super family proteins. Kif26b is expressed in the metanephric mesenchymes, a population of multipotent kidney progenitors. Disruption of Kif26b causes kidney agenesis because of impaired ureteric bud attraction. In the Kif26b-null metanephros, compact adhesion between mesenchymal cells adjacent to the ureteric buds and the polarized distribution of integrin alpha 8 were impaired, resulting in failed maintenance of Gdnf, a critical ureteric bud attractant. Overexpression of Kif26b in vitro caused increased cell adhesion through interactions with nonmuscle myosin. Thus, Kif26b is essential for kidney development because it regulates the adhesion of mesenchymal cells in contact with ureteric buds.