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Epithelial Cell Repopulation and Preparation of Rodent Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Renal Tissue Development
Published on: August 10, 2015
Development of embryonic stem cells in recombinant kidneys
Aleksandra Rak-Raszewska1, Bettina Wilm, David Edgar
1Institute of Translational Medicine; the University of Liverpool; Liverpool, UK.
Organogenesis
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can develop into kidney cells. Mesodermal ESCs contribute to kidney development, while undifferentiated or non-mesodermal ESCs hinder it, suggesting mesodermal ESCs are better for kidney cell therapy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities.
- Previous research explored ESC fate in kidney development, but optimal cell types for therapy remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the potential of undifferentiated ESCs, ESC-derived mesodermal cells, and ESC-derived non-mesodermal cells to integrate into developing kidney structures.
- To assess the suitability of different ESC derivatives for kidney cell therapies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a recombinant organ culture model with fluorescent quantum dot-labeled mouse exogenous cells and host metanephric cells.
- Compared the contribution of undifferentiated ESCs, mesodermal, and non-mesodermal ESC derivatives to kidney tissue compartments.
- Analyzed cell contribution based on specific kidney cell markers (Oct4, Wilms' tumor 1, synaptopodin).
Main Results:
- ESC-derived mesodermal cells successfully integrated into forming nephrons, glomeruli, and tubular epithelia, downregulating the Oct4 marker.
- Native metanephric cells showed similar integration patterns when recombined.
- Undifferentiated ESCs formed colonies, and non-mesodermal ESC derivatives inhibited kidney growth.
Conclusions:
- ESC-derived mesodermal cells demonstrate functional nephrogenic potential, indicating their promise for repairing damaged kidney epithelia.
- Undifferentiated ESCs and non-mesodermal ESC derivatives are less suitable for kidney cell-based therapies due to growth inhibition and lack of specific differentiation.
Related Concept Videos
00:58Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
00:57Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...