Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a chemical formula that prompts human induced pluripotent stem cells to turn on genes in the same order that they would turn on in naturally developing kidneys. Starting with human cells from the skin, the scientists were able to use this special formula to generate early kidney tubular cells. They continued to act like kidney cells after implantation into embryonic as well as mature mouse kidneys. The scientists believe that this stem cell technique could one day be used in human patients, using cells derived from their own skin.
Source:
American Society of Nephrology (2013, December 19). Researchers Generate Kidney Tubular Cells from Stem Cells, ScienceDaily, December 19, 2013