GO:0061333

The process in which the renal tubule is generated by specification of cell fate, through the maintenance of cell polarity, regulated cell proliferation and morphogenetic cell rearrangements, shape changes and growth. A renal tubule is a tube that filters, re-absorbs and secretes substances to rid an organism of waste and to play a role in fluid homeostasis. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_kidney_jan10]