Kidneys contain small structures called glomeruli which filter blood to remove waste from the body. Genetic diseases can damage this filter causing swelling and imbalanced body electrolytes and affecting blood pressure. Currently, there are no long term treatment options other than dialysis or kidney transplant. With our stem cell models of glomeruli, we are trying to develop alternative, less invasive approaches to treatment.
reNEW research
We can use patient-derived stem cells to generate mini-kidneys containing glomeruli and study why their filter malfunctions. Sometimes, proteins important to the cell function are poorly manufactured and delivered to the wrong place which causes the disease. Using microscopy techniques, we can visualize these proteins and test drugs to fix them and redirect them to the right place.
Image description
A starry glomerulus derived from stem cells constellated by components of the cell’s internal postal service.
Credits
Rachel Lam, Research Assistant, Little Lab, reNEW MCRI.
