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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
Generation of Human Kidney Tubuloids from Tissue and Urine
Published on: April 16, 2021
Growing a new human kidney
1Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
There are 3 reasons to generate a new human kidney. The first is to learn more about the biology of the developing and mature organ. The second is to generate tissues with which to model congenital and acquired kidney diseases. In particular, growing human kidneys in this manner ultimately should help us understand the mechanisms of common chronic kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy and others featuring fibrosis, as well as nephrotoxicity. The third reason is to provide functional kidney tissues that can be used directly in regenerative medicine therapies. The second and third reasons to grow new human kidneys are especially compelling given the millions of persons worldwide whose lives depend on a functioning kidney transplant or long-term dialysis, as well as those with end-stage renal disease who die prematurely because they are unable to access these treatments. As shown in this review, the aim to create healthy human kidney tissues has been partially realized. Moreover, the technology shows promise in terms of modeling genetic disease. In contrast, barely the first steps have been taken toward modeling nongenetic chronic kidney diseases or using newly grown human kidney tissue for regenerative medicine therapies.
Insights
Generating new human kidneys offers insights into organ development and disease modeling. While progress is made in modeling genetic diseases, applications in chronic kidney disease and regenerative medicine are still in early stages.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Millions worldwide require kidney transplants or dialysis due to end-stage renal disease.
- Current treatments for kidney failure are limited, leading to premature mortality.
- Understanding kidney development and disease mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of generating new human kidney tissues.
- To investigate applications in understanding kidney biology and disease.
- To assess the feasibility of using engineered kidney tissues for regenerative therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current technologies for human kidney tissue generation.
- Analysis of progress in modeling congenital and acquired kidney diseases.
- Evaluation of the potential for regenerative medicine applications.
Main Results:
- Generating human kidney tissues has partially realized the aim of creating healthy tissues.
- The technology shows promise for modeling genetic kidney diseases.
- Early-stage development is noted for modeling non-genetic chronic kidney diseases and regenerative therapies.
Conclusions:
- Human kidney tissue generation is advancing, particularly for understanding organ development and genetic diseases.
- Significant challenges remain in applying these technologies to chronic kidney diseases and regenerative medicine.
- Further research is needed to fully harness the potential of engineered kidney tissues.
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