by Zaara Abbas / May 4, 2024
Lab grown human nephron progenitor cells (Image by Biao Huang/Li Lab)
Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have made a groundbreaking advancement that could pave the way for new treatments and a better understanding of kidney diseases. The team developed a new method to grow special kidney cells called nephron progenitor cells (NPC) from human stem cells. These progenitor cells are the building blocks that form the nephrons - the functional units that filter waste from the blood in our kidneys.
By cultivating these progenitor cells in a lab setting, the USC researchers have opened up a new possibility to model kidney diseases, test new drugs, and unravel the mysteries behind kidney development and cancer.“Importantly, it also provides supplies of NPCs as critical building blocks to build synthetic kidneys for kidney replacement therapy,” explained the study's lead author, Dr. Zhongwei Li.
What makes this new approach so powerful?
It simplifies the growth process, allowing the cells to multiply more easily in a 2D lab environment rather than a complex 3D system. It enables the expansion of nephron progenitor cells derived from any individual's stem cells via a simple blood or skin sample. It can reprogram other kidney cell types to revert back into a progenitor cell state.
Using this method, the researchers were able to edit the genes of the progenitor cells and identify new genes linked to kidney diseases like polycystic kidney disease (PKD). They even grew "mini-kidney" structures with PKD mutations that developed cysts, mirroring the real disease. This innovative method opens up vast opportunities for personalized disease modeling, drug screening, and gaining insights into kidney biology. It brings hope for better treatments and cures for the millions suffering from debilitating kidney disorders worldwide.
Citations:
Lytal, C. (2024, April 16). USC-led study introduces a new and improved way to grow the cells that give rise to the kidney’s filtration system. USC Stem Cell. https://stemcell.keck.usc.edu/usc-led-study-introduces-a-new-and-improved-way-to-grow-the-cells-that-give-rise-to-the-kidneys-filtration-system/
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