Researchers Isolate Human Kidney Progenitor Cells


Scientists from the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have made an exciting discovery, isolating human kidney progenitor cells without genetic manipulation using a novel in vivo technique. These nephrogenic progenitor cells (NPs) give rise to mature nephrons, the key filtering units in the kidney. Although scientists have studied NPs in mice, this breakthrough in … Continue reading Researchers Isolate Human Kidney Progenitor Cells

Gli1 Stem Cells Could Stop Major Killer of Kidney Patients


A team of researchers led by investigators from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified the stem cells responsible for calcium buildup in the arteries, a major problem for kidney disease patients. Found in the outer layers of the arteries, Gli1 positive stem cells have the ability to change cell type depending on … Continue reading Gli1 Stem Cells Could Stop Major Killer of Kidney Patients

Stem Cells That Form Kidney Blood Vessels Identified


An exciting stem cell discovery from researchers at University of Virginia Medical School brings scientists one step closer to growing kidneys in the lab, complete with functioning vasculature. The UVA investigators not only identified the stem cells that produce blood vessels in the kidney, they also found that blood forms along with the vessels. Their … Continue reading Stem Cells That Form Kidney Blood Vessels Identified

Mini Kidneys Grown In Lab Mimic Disease


Using stem cell and gene-editing techniques, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have succeeded in growing mini kidneys that mimic disease. These tiny, impressive organoids, just 1 mm in diameter, are capable of modeling healthy as well as diseased kidneys and contain kidney tubules resembling those in people. They can also survive after transplantation in … Continue reading Mini Kidneys Grown In Lab Mimic Disease

Stem Cell Therapy Points to Acute Kidney Injury Treatment


Researchers from Kyoto University in Japan have employed a novel stem cell therapy that could lead to a treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI). Working with a mouse model of AKI, the scientists administered renal progenitor cells—early, short-lived kidney cells—created from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Interestingly, the transplanted progenitor cells did not need to … Continue reading Stem Cell Therapy Points to Acute Kidney Injury Treatment

Stem Cells and Anti-Scarring Protein May Help Heal Kidneys


A research team led by scientists from Monash University in Australia may have found the right combination to heal injured kidneys—adult stem cells and an anti-fibrotic protein called serelaxin. Neither therapy works as well when administered independently. Serelaxin appears to pave the way for healing by reducing scarring, creating conditions that allow the stem cells … Continue reading Stem Cells and Anti-Scarring Protein May Help Heal Kidneys