While the sequence similarity between these factors is limited, our data suggest that functional parallels can be drawn: Loss of WT1 in the mouse kidney results in glomerulosclerosis and is accompanied by ectopic expression of HES/E(Spl) family genes48 and in zebrafish kidney podocytes Notch expression induces Wt1 transcription, while the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and WT1 synergistically promote transcription at the promoter of the HES/E(Spl) family gene Hey1 (ref. 49). This evidence concerns the gene HEY1 and glomerulosclerosis.