Glomeruli are small kidney structures responsible for filtering blood and eliminating waste from the body. Diseases affecting this filter cause significant long-term kidney problems in children. Current long-term treatments are limited to dialysis which deeply affects daily life, and transplantation. Our research aims to find novel treatments for children with these conditions, to protect kidney function, improve long-term health, and ensure normal development into adulthood.
reNEW research
We can generate 3D mini-kidneys in a dish using patient stem cells. They contain various structures of the kidney including glomeruli, the filters. Using these models, we aim to understand how genetic kidney disease affects the function of podocytes, the cells within the glomeruli. We also trial thousands of drugs in a dish to find new treatments that could prevent podocyte loss and disease progression.
Image description
A microscopy image of stem cell-derived mini-kidney showing the complexity of kidney specialised structures.
Credits
Melissa Ritchie, Research Assistant, Little lab, reNEW Melbourne.
