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Isogenic Kidney Glomerulus Chip Engineered from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: November 4, 2022
Tissue-engineered kidney disease models
Teresa M Desrochers1, Erica Palma1, David L Kaplan1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Renal disease represents a major health problem that often results in end-stage renal failure necessitating dialysis and eventually transplantation. Historically these diseases have been studied with patient observation and screening, animal models, and two-dimensional cell culture. In this review, we focus on recent advances in tissue engineered kidney disease models that have the capacity to compensate for the limitations of traditional modalities. The cells and materials utilized to develop these models are discussed and tissue engineered models of polycystic kidney disease, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and the glomerulus are examined in detail. The application of these models has the potential to direct future disease treatments and preclinical drug development.
Insights
Tissue engineered kidney models offer advanced solutions for studying renal diseases, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. These innovative models aid in developing future treatments and preclinical drug testing for kidney failure.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nephrology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Renal diseases are a significant global health burden, frequently leading to end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.
- Traditional research methods like patient observation, animal models, and 2D cell cultures have inherent limitations in fully recapitulating kidney disease complexity.
- There is a critical need for advanced models that can better mimic human kidney physiology and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in tissue-engineered kidney disease models.
- To highlight how these models address the shortcomings of conventional research approaches.
- To explore the potential of these models in guiding future therapeutic strategies and preclinical drug development for renal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of cells and biomaterials used in constructing tissue-engineered kidney models.
- Detailed examination of specific engineered models, including those for polycystic kidney disease, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and glomerular structures.
- Synthesis of current literature on the development and application of these advanced models.
Main Results:
- Tissue-engineered models provide a more physiologically relevant platform for studying renal diseases compared to traditional methods.
- These models allow for detailed investigation of specific kidney pathologies like polycystic kidney disease and nephrotoxicity.
- The review details the components and construction of various engineered kidney models, including glomerular and disease-specific constructs.
Conclusions:
- Tissue-engineered kidney models represent a significant leap forward in understanding and treating renal diseases.
- These models have the potential to revolutionize preclinical drug development and personalize treatment strategies for kidney patients.
- Further development and application of these models are expected to accelerate progress in nephrology research and clinical practice.
