In a stem cell first, functioning human kidney structures grown in living animals

Until recently, we have kept seeing the wonders of stem celltherapy or gene therapy through culturing in a lab. But, for the first time in the medical science we are going to witness something unbelievable about the miracles of human stem cells, facilitating the growth of functioning kidney tissues in a living organism.

Earlier there have been so much of the developments of organs or tissues using stem cell therapies in a quest to regenerate new organ as a replacement of damaged or diseased tissues. But, all the tissue engineering techniques have used a petri dish, while these functioning mini kidneys have been developed in a living organism. What are most surprising about these kidney tissues are they can produce urine as well by filtering blood. This is considered as a major step towards treating patients with kidney ailments.

About The Mini Kidney Tissues

Researchers at the Manchester University developed a functioning mini kidney using human stem cells for the first time.

The mice received a subcutaneous implant containing these cells, which turned out to be working kidney tissues later. In order to grow the working kidney, the research team collected embryonic stem cells and engineered them into microscopic kidney pieces known as glomeruli. The molecules for the development of kidney were combined with a gel like substance, which functioned as connective tissue. Next, the scientist implanted these kidney cells under the skin of mice, which lacked any functioning immune system.

After a few months, the research team led by Professors Sue Kimber and Adrian Woolf found something incredible.

The tissues or substances revealed to develop as microscopic structural and functional units of kidneys known as nephron. Along with this, these lab grown nephrons showed all the features and parts as shown in the human kidneys. They contained proximal tubules, distal tubules, Loop of Henle and Bowman’s capsule. The capillaries or blood vessels were developed too inside the kidney of the mice to promote their kidney health.

And due to all of these functioning kidney parts and a perfect structure, the mice were able to excrete urine by filtrating blood. In order to prove their capacity to produce urine, scientists used dextran- a fluorescent substance to validate the urine production. Later, they showed that tubular structures infiltrated dextran from the blood and produced urine.

However, these mini kidney tissues lack an important part- an artery crucial for blood supply to the kidneys. So, scientists are on their way to find a new method to develop arteries for these mini kidneys. Simultaneously, it is important for them to create an exit route so as to allow the urine to exit the body.

Possibilities From The Studies

Kidney transplant being a costly therapeutic approach, it leads to two million individuals to die every year. In addition, two million people are likely to take treatments for transplants for kidney failure and dialysis. So, this finding is a light at the end of the tunnel for many who cannot afford the treatment expenses as well as survive due to kidney failure.

We can hope the days are not so far when new insights into kidney disease will be developed to prevent its severities and manifold the lives of millions using this technique.

The entire piece of the research is published in the journal of Stem Cell Reports.