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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Renal Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury: A Mouse Model of Injury and Regeneration
Published on: June 7, 2014
Renal progenitors derived from human iPSCs engraft and restore function in a mouse model of acute kidney injury
Barbara Imberti1, Susanna Tomasoni2, Osele Ciampi2
11] IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, 24126 Bergamo, ITALY [2] Fondazione IRCCS - Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, ITALY.
Abstract:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most relevant health issues, leading to millions of deaths. The magnitude of the phenomenon remarks the urgent need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches. Cell-based therapy with renal progenitor cells (RPCs) has been proposed as a possible strategy. Studies have shown the feasibility of directing embryonic stem cells or induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) towards nephrogenic intermediate mesoderm and metanephric mesenchyme (MM). However, the functional activity of iPSC-derived RPCs has not been tested in animal models of kidney disease. Here, through an efficient inductive protocol, we directed human iPSCs towards RPCs that robustly engrafted into damaged tubuli and restored renal function and structure in cisplatin-mice with AKI. These results demonstrate that iPSCs are a valuable source of engraftable cells with regenerative activity for kidney disease and create the basis for future applications in stem cell-based therapy.
Insights
Human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) were directed into renal progenitor cells (RPCs). These iPSC-derived RPCs successfully treated acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice, restoring kidney function and structure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant global health concern with high mortality.
- Current therapeutic strategies for AKI are limited, necessitating novel treatments.
- Cell-based therapy using renal progenitor cells (RPCs) shows promise for kidney regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) as a source for RPCs.
- To evaluate the functional activity and therapeutic efficacy of iPSC-derived RPCs in an animal model of AKI.
- To establish a basis for future stem cell-based therapies for kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Developed an efficient protocol to direct human iPSCs towards RPCs.
- Utilized a cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model.
- Assessed the engraftment, renal function, and structural integrity post-treatment with iPSC-derived RPCs.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated RPCs from human iPSCs.
- Demonstrated robust engraftment of iPSC-derived RPCs into damaged kidney tubules.
- Observed significant restoration of renal function and structure in AKI mice treated with iPSC-derived RPCs.
Conclusions:
- Human iPSCs are a viable source for generating functional RPCs.
- iPSC-derived RPCs exhibit regenerative potential for treating AKI.
- This study supports the development of iPSC-based regenerative therapies for kidney diseases.
