Advancements in kidney organoids and tubuloids to study (dys)function

• Published in: Trends in cell biology Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 299 - 311
• Main Authors: Dilmen, E., Orhon, I., Jansen, J., Hoenderop, J.G.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2024
• Subjects: function; kidney; organ-on-a-chip; organoid; pathophysiology; physiology; tubuloid; kidney; function; pathophysiology; physiology; organ-on-a-chip; tubuloid; organoid
• ISSN: 0962-8924; 1879-3088
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.005

Human kidney organoids and tubuloids are emerging models with the promise to overcome the limitations of conventional in vitro research models and to better recapitulate human kidney (dys)function.Recent developments have shown that organoids and tubuloids can be applied in various applications which depends on their ability to mimic kidney specific (dys)function. To date, segment specific drug transport, response to extracellular microenvironment, endocrine functions, and functional electrolyte and water transport have been described.Novel technological tools including multiomics, machine learning, automated high-throughput culture systems, and organ-on-a-chip can further advance kidney organoids and tubuloids to better understand these models and improve maturation for future applications of personalized disease modeling and reliable preclinical research models.
The rising prevalence of kidney diseases urges the need for novel therapies. Kidney organoids and tubuloids are advanced in vitro models and have recently been described as promising tools to study kidney (patho)physiology. Recent developments have shown their application in disease modeling, drug screening, and nephrotoxicity. These applications rely on their ability to mimic (dys)function in vitro including endocrine activity and drug, electrolyte, and water transport. This review provides an overview of these emerging kidney models and focuses on the most recent developments that utilize their functional capabilities. In addition, we cover current limitations and provide future perspectives for this rapidly evolving field, including what these functional properties mean for translational and personalized medicine now and in the future.
The rising prevalence of kidney diseases urges the need for novel therapies. Kidney organoids and tubuloids are advanced in vitro models and have recently been described as promising tools to study kidney (patho)physiology. Recent developments have shown their application in disease modeling, drug screening, and nephrotoxicity. These applications rely on their ability to mimic (dys)function in vitro including endocrine activity and drug, electrolyte, and water transport. This review provides an overview of these emerging kidney models and focuses on the most recent developments that utilize their functional capabilities. In addition, we cover current limitations and provide future perspectives for this rapidly evolving field, including what these functional properties mean for translational and personalized medicine now and in the future.