Organogenesis of kidneys following transplantation of renal progenitor cells

Abstract

One novel solution to the shortage of human organs available for transplantation envisions 'growing' new organs in situ via xenotransplantation of developing anlagen from animal embryos. We and others have shown that renal progenitor cells (metanephroi) transplanted into animal hosts undergo organogenesis (differentiation and growth), become vascularized by blood vessels of host origin and exhibit excretory function. Metanephroi can be stored for up to 3 days in vitro prior to transplantation with no impairment in growth or function post-implantation. Metanephroi can be transplanted across both concordant (rat to mouse) and highly disparate (pig to rodent) xenogeneic barriers. Here we review studies exploring the potential therapeutic use of embryonic kidney transplantation as a means to achieve renal organogenesis.