Strategies for Improving Vascularization in Kidney Organoids: A Review of Current Trends

Abstract

Kidney organoids possess the potential to revolutionize the treatment of renal diseases. However, their growth and maturation are impeded by insufficient growth of blood vessels. Through a PubMed search, we have identified 34 studies that attempted to address this challenge. Researchers are exploring various approaches including animal transplantation, organ-on-chips, and extracellular matrices (ECMs). The most prevalent method to promote the maturation and vascularization of organoids involves transplanting them into animals for in vivo culture, creating an optimal environment for organoid growth and the development of a chimeric vessel network between the host and organoids. Organ-on-chip technology permits the in vitro culture of organoids, enabling researchers to manipulate the microenvironment and investigate the key factors that influence organoid development. Lastly, ECMs have been discovered to aid the formation of blood vessels during organoid differentiation. ECMs from animal tissue have been particularly successful, although the underlying mechanisms require further research. Future research building upon these recent studies may enable the generation of functional kidney tissues for replacement therapies.

Vascularized microfluidic models of major organ structures and cancerous tissues

“…85 Researchers have also sometimes found differences in primary cell and iPSC behavior, 86 and iPSCs have demonstrated tumorigenicity in the long-term culture. 87 iPSCs remain proliferative for longer than primary ECs, but it has not been confirmed whether their behavior reflects that of mature primary cells. Meanwhile, primary cells may be difficult to source, as they come from donors and may have a certain amount of variability from batch to batch.…”