Kidneys keep the body healthy and in balance by filtering blood and removing waste. When kidneys fail, patients depend on dialysis or a transplant to survive, yet donor kidneys remain in short supply. Our research uses stem cells, which can become every cell type, to grow miniature kidneys called organoids. We aim to connect these organoids with host tissue to create replacement kidney tissue, easing the shortage of transplantable organs.
reNEW research
Our lab works on improving the growth of kidney organoids and studies how they develop after transplantation. In the lab, organoids form tubes that drain urine from the filtering units. However, these tubes remain immature and closed. After transplantation, they start to function: the tubes open and allow waste products to pass through. Currently, we are now investigating whether the organoids can connect with the host tissue, so that urine formed in the kidney organoid can flow to the bladder.
Image description
Stem cell-derived kidney filters (orange) and tubes (cyan) form a coral-like network upon transplantation.
Credits
Roos-Sanne Verkerk, Research Technician, Rabelink Lab, reNEW Leiden.
Rianne van Nieuwland, Research Technician, Rabelink Lab, ReNEW Leiden.
Cathelijne van den Berg, Associate Investigator, Rabelink Lab, ReNEW Leiden.
