Fig. 8.

Schematic overview of zebrafish RSC renewal and differentiation.

During zebrafish embryonic development, RSCs arise from eya2⁺ mesenchymal cells (shown as green cells). These cells then express Pax2a and six2a, maturing into functional RSCs. By 8 dpf, they begin expressing lhx1a (indicated as red cells) and aggregate, undergoing a MET to form compact cell aggregates. In the absence of developmental or injury-related signals, these aggregates enter a quiescent state. Upon reappearance of such signals, the aggregates reactivate: Base cells differentiate into nephrons, while apex cells regenerate RSCs through dedifferentiation and EMT. The newly formed RSCs reenter a cycle of generating new nephrons and additional RSCs.