The ability to generate 3-dimensional models of the developing human kidney via the directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells-termed kidney organoids-has been hailed as a major advance in experimental nephrology. Although these provide an opportunity to interrogate human development, model-specific kidney diseases facilitate drug screening and even deliver bioengineered tissue; most of these prophetic end points remain to be realized. Indeed, at present we are still finding out what we can learn and what we cannot learn from this approach. In this review, we will summarize the approaches available to generate models of the human kidney from stem cells, the existing successful applications of kidney organoids, their limitations, and remaining challenges.
Funding
Stem cell models of glomerular kidney disease for understanding disease and developing treatments : Medical Research Future Fund | DOH-MRFF APP2007287
Regenerating the kidney using an understanding of normal development : National Health and Medical Research Council | 1136085
Generating a higher order kidney by understanding and controlling nephron connectivity : National Health and Medical Research Council | 2011314
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) : Novo Nordisk Foundation | NNF21CC0073729