Human kidney tissue capable of producing urine developed
Team Udayavani, Feb 10, 2018, 4:44 PM IST
London (UK): In a first, scientists have successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism which is able to produce urine, a significant milestone in the development of treatment for kidney disease.
Kidney glomeruli – constituent microscopic parts of the organ – were generated from human embryonic stem cells grown in plastic laboratory culture dishes containing a nutrient broth known as culture medium, containing molecules to promote kidney development.
They were combined with a gel-like substance, which acted as natural connective tissue – and then injected as a tiny clump under the skin of mice.
After three months, an examination of the tissue revealed that nephrons: the microscopic structural and functional units of the kidney – had formed.
The new structures contained most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons – including proximal tubules, distal tubules, Bowman’s capsule and Loop of Henle.
Tiny human blood vessels – known as capillaries – had developed inside the mice which nourished the new kidney structures, according to a study published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
“We have proved beyond any doubt these structures function as kidney cells by filtering blood and producing urine – though we can’t yet say what percentage of function exists,” said Sue Kimber from University of Manchester in the UK.
“What is particularly exciting is that the structures are made of human cells which developed an excellent capillary blood supply, becoming linked to the vasculature of the mouse,” Kimber said.
“Though this structure was formed from several hundred glomeruli, and humans have about a million in their kidneys – this is clearly a major advance,” Kimber said.
However, the mini-kidneys lack a large artery, and without that the organ’s function will only be a fraction of normal.
So, the researchers are working with surgeons to put in an artery that will bring more blood the new kidney.
To test the functionality of the new structures, the team used Dextran – a fluorescent protein which stains the urine- like substance produced when nephrons filter the blood, called glomerular filtrate.
The Dextran was tracked and detected in the new structures’ tubules, demonstrating that filtrate was indeed being produced and excreted as urine.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Study finds genetic basis for link between depression, heart disease
World Malaria Day: WHO calls for equitable health access
What role does genetics play in breast cancer? How can genetic testing help with early breast cancer diagnosis?
Father’s diet can affect anxiety in sons, metabolism in daughters: Study in mice finds
Low back pain, depression, headaches main causes of poor health: Study
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Patanjali Foods to evaluate proposal to buy Patanjali Ayurved’s non-food business
Congress to discuss candidates for Amethi, Raebareli seats on Saturday
BJP’s CT Ravi Booked for Promoting Hatred and Enmity Through Social Media Post
Elections held in 14 LS segments in Karnataka, voter turnout nearly 64 per cent till 5 pm
‘PM is scared, may even shed tears on stage’: Rahul Gandhi’s fresh salvo at Modi