Publicado en: Nature Communications
Abstract. Transit-amplifying nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) generate all of the nephrons of the
mammalian kidney during development. Their limited numbers, poor in vitro expansion, and difficult accessibility in humans have slowed basic and translational research into renal
development and diseases. Here, we show that with appropriate 3D culture conditions, it is
possible to support long-term expansion of primary mouse and human fetal NPCs as well as NPCs
derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Expanded NPCs maintain genomic
stability, molecular homogeneity, and nephrogenic potential in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Cultured
NPCs are amenable to gene targeting and can form nephron organoids that engraft in vivo,
functionally couple to the host’s circulatory system, and produce urine-like metabolites via
filtration. Together, these findings provide a technological platform for studying human
nephrogenesis, modeling and diagnosing renal diseases, and drug discovery.
Referencia:
Li Z, Araoka T, Wu J, Liao HK, Li M, Lazo M, Zhou B, Sui Y, Wu MZ, Tamura I, Xia Y, Beyret E, Matsusaka T, Pastan I, Rodriguez Esteban C, Guillen I, Guillen P, Campistol JM, Izpisua Belmonte JC. 3D Culture Supports Long-Term Expansion of Mouse and Human Nephrogenic Progenitors. Cell Stem Cell. 2016;6;19:516-529.
