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Stem cell-derived kidney organoids: engineering the vasculature
Marije Koning1,2, Cathelijne W van den Berg3,4, Ton J Rabelink3,4
1Department of Internal Medicine-Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. m.koning@lumc.nl.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|December 7, 2019
Summary
Human kidney organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) show promise for disease modeling and drug screening. Vascularization is key to improving their maturation and functionality for future applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Research
Background:
- Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) enable the generation of kidney organoids mimicking embryonic kidney development.
- These organoids hold potential for disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.
- Challenges include limited maturation and off-target differentiation in current PSC-derived kidney organoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protocols for generating kidney organoids from human induced PSCs.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of existing protocols.
- To highlight the critical role of vascularization in achieving organoid maturation and functionality.
Main Methods:
- Review of established protocols for kidney organoid generation from human induced PSCs.
- Analysis of factors influencing organoid maturation and differentiation.
- Focus on strategies and challenges related to vascularization of kidney organoids.
Main Results:
- Various protocols exist for generating kidney organoids from human induced PSCs.
- Significant limitations persist, particularly concerning organoid maturation and specificity.
- Vascularization emerges as a crucial factor for enhancing kidney organoid development.
Conclusions:
- Kidney organoid technology is advancing but requires further refinement.
- Addressing maturation and vascularization is essential for realizing the full potential of these models.
- Improved kidney organoids could significantly impact regenerative medicine and drug development.
