The number of nephrons is a major determinant for the development of chronic kidney disease and hypertension. We hypothesise a link between environmental factors, epigenetic modification and nephron formation. To identify the complex gene regulatory networks of nephron programming influenced by DNA methylation, transcriptome analysis will be combined with DNA methylation analysis on DNA methyltransferase-deficient renal cell populations. In addition, known maternal environmental determinants of nephron formation will be tested for their influence on DNA methylation.
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