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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Generation of Human Kidney Tubuloids from Tissue and Urine
Published on: April 16, 2021
Human Kidney Organoids and Tubuloids as Models of Complex Kidney Disease
Ana B Nunez-Nescolarde1, David J Nikolic-Paterson2, Alexander N Combes1
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Kidney organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells and epithelial organoids derived from adult tissue (tubuloids) have been used to study various kidney disorders with a strong genetic component, such as polycystic kidney disease, Wilms tumor, and congenital nephrotic syndrome. However, complex disorders without clear genetic associations, such as acute kidney injury and many forms of chronic kidney disease, are only just beginning to be investigated using these in vitro approaches. Although organoids are a reductionist model, they contain clinically relevant cell populations that may help to elucidate human-specific pathogenic mechanisms. Thus, organoids may complement animal disease models to accelerate the translation of laboratory proof-of-concept research into clinical practice. This review discusses whether kidney organoids and tubuloids are suitable models for the study of complex human kidney disease and highlights their advantages and limitations compared with monolayer cell culture and animal models.
Insights
Kidney organoids and tubuloids offer promising in vitro models for studying complex kidney diseases. These models complement animal studies, aiding the translation of research into clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Organoid Technology
Background:
- Pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids and adult tissue-derived tubuloids are established models for genetic kidney disorders.
- Complex kidney diseases like acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are emerging areas for in vitro investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of kidney organoids and tubuloids for studying complex human kidney diseases.
- To compare the advantages and limitations of organoid models against traditional cell culture and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on kidney organoids and tubuloids in disease modeling.
- Comparative analysis of in vitro organoid systems with monolayer cell cultures and animal models.
Main Results:
- Organoids contain clinically relevant cell populations, aiding the elucidation of human-specific pathogenic mechanisms.
- These in vitro models show potential for studying complex kidney diseases, complementing existing animal models.
Conclusions:
- Kidney organoids and tubuloids represent valuable, albeit reductionist, models for complex kidney disease research.
- Organoid technology can accelerate the translation of laboratory findings into clinical applications for kidney diseases.
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