Researchers Generate Kidney Tubular Cells from Stem Cells


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 … Continue reading Researchers Generate Kidney Tubular Cells from Stem Cells

Mini Kidney Structures Generated from Human Stem Cells


Scientists from the Salk Institute have grown three-dimensional early kidney structures, known as uteric buds, using human induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. These mushroom-shaped buds develop into the ureter and collecting duct system of the mature kidney. The discovery not only paves the way for advances in organ regeneration, but also … Continue reading Mini Kidney Structures Generated from Human Stem Cells

Kidney Damage in First Responders Linked to 9/11


Researchers from Mt. Sinai Hospital have linked kidney damage in 9/11 first responders to inhalation of high levels of particulate matter, including cement dust, smoke, glass fibers and heavy metals at Ground Zero. Exposure to these toxins has already been linked to lung and heart issues in this patient group, and first responders and their … Continue reading Kidney Damage in First Responders Linked to 9/11

Repurposed Drug as First Targeted Treatment for FSGS


Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have identified abatacept (also known as Orencia), a drug for rheumatoid arthritis, as a potential treatment for FSGS. All five patients in the study showed signs of improvement after taking the drug. Four of the patients in danger of losing their transplanted kidneys were treated successfully and a fifth patient … Continue reading Repurposed Drug as First Targeted Treatment for FSGS

Citrus Fruit Compound Naringenin Could Prevent PKD Cysts


A team of scientists in England has found that naringenin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in grapefruit, oranges and tomatoes, could be the basis for a promising new treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Using a single-celled amoeba, they found that naringenin inhibits PKD cysts by regulating levels of the PKD2 protein (also known as … Continue reading Citrus Fruit Compound Naringenin Could Prevent PKD Cysts

Hormones from Bone Marrow Stem Cells May One Day Treat Kidney Disease


Scientists from St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada have found that hormones secreted from bone marrow stem cells may be beneficial in treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure.  These unidentified hormones have healing effects similar to adult stem cells, but present a safer alternative, given that stem cells can sometimes cause tumors to grow. Because … Continue reading Hormones from Bone Marrow Stem Cells May One Day Treat Kidney Disease