Kidneys play essential roles in filtering blood and keeping the body healthy. In the Kidney Regeneration Group, we are creating miniature kidneys from stem cells to improve our understanding of kidney diseases and develop new treatments.
Impact
With limited treatment options, chronic kidney disease affects more than 800 million people globally and is a leading cause of death worldwide. We are creating miniature kidneys from stem cells to increase our understanding of kidney disease, screen drugs, and improve kidney function in patients.
reNEW research
In the Kidney Regeneration Group led by Professor Melissa Little, we have developed approaches to make complex kidney tissue (kidney organoids) from stem cells and improve their function. Showing remarkable similarity to human kidney, we are now applying these organoids to model kidney diseases and develop new treatments.
Image description
The image shows a close-up view of a miniature kidney with red balls known as glomeruli. These are important parts of the kidney for filtering blood and keeping the body healthy.
Credits
Imaging and organoid generation: Sophia Mah (Research Assistant).
Team Leader and Group Leader: Jessica Vanslambrouck and Melissa Little.