We are growing stem cell-derived human kidney organoids — miniature kidneys in a dish — with the ultimate goal of producing transplantable tissue for renal cell therapy. By recreating kidney development outside the body, we hope to one day replace lost kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Impact
Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people worldwide, yet dialysis and organ transplantation remain the only treatments. Our research seeks to offer a new solution: kidney tissue generated in the lab that can be transplanted back into patients, easing the burden of dialysis and reducing reliance on scarce donor organs.
reNEW research
We are currently refining protocols to improve both the quality and purity of kidney organoids. This image captures the dual nature of our progress — the presence of many desired kidney progenitors, alongside unwanted off-target cells that remain a challenge to eliminate.
Image description
Each glowing “planet” in this image is a kidney organoid. The diffuse blue areas represent kidney progenitor cells — the correct building blocks of a kidney, while the small yellow clusters mark off-target cells that do not belong. Together, they resemble stars in a night sky: mostly shining true in blue, but scattered with yellow “faults.” This contrast is both beautiful and informative — a reminder that even in the vast potential of organoid research, challenges remain before these lab-grown stars can fully light the way to new kidney therapies.
Credits
Mian Xie, Research Assistant, Kynan Lawlor, Senior Research Officer, Little Lab, reNEW Melbourne.
