Challenges to regenerate functional kidney from stem cells

Abstract

About 10 months before we are born, we exist as a single cell, and subsequently a fertilized ovum. During human embryogenesis, all organs, including the kidneys, are created. Therefore, the kidney may theoretically be regenerated from induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells that are biologically identical to the fertilized ovum, if they follow a developmental program. It has been thought that a program involved in organogenesis must be very complicated and that a huge number of molecules are involved; however, recent studies revealed that the process is less complicated than previously thought and only a few programs are required, because pluripotent stem cells are innately able to develop into complicated structures, through “self-organizing ability.” Kidney stem cells have this ability. Therefore, some researchers believe that it is possible to create kidneys from stem cells and have energetically pursued research in this field. In this article, I introduce these concepts and discuss what will be needed prior to clinical application.