Cellular regeneration—the repair of portions of the existing nephron after tubular damage—is conserved in all animal species. By contrast, nephron neogenesis is present in lower branches of the animal kingdom, but not in adult mammals. Converging evidence suggests that a renal progenitor system is present in the adult kidney across different stages of evolution. Here, the authors look at renal regeneration from an evolutionary perspective and suggest possible explanations for the differences between animals.
- Paola Romagnani
- Laura Lasagni
- Giuseppe Remuzzi
