Researchers from Okayama University and Keirin University in Japan collected adult stem cells from the kidneys of adult experimental mice, formed cell clusters in petri dishes, then put the cell clusters in a gelatinous substance, and then added growth promoters. It is a special protein. After 3 to 4 weeks, 50 to 100 nephron-shaped 3D renal tubular tissues are cultured. These tissues include structures such as renal tubules and glomeruli, as well as certain functions of the kidney.
This is the first method in the world to use animal adult stem cells to create a three-dimensional kidney structure. Researchers continue to study human stem cells. Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that exist in differentiated tissues and develop into specific tissues. The kidneys collect about one million nephrons, which can filter waste in the blood and produce urine, which is excreted outside the body. The research team believes that the cells and blood vessels that can connect nephrons are essential for forming a complete kidney, but this result is close to the shape of a complete nephron, which is the first artificial way to make a kidney. I think this is a step. This result is useful for elucidating the mechanism of kidney regeneration, and is expected to realize regenerative medicine for patients with kidney disease. in
Previously, researchers at Kumamoto University in Japan used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) to cultivate kidney tissue.