Urine--a waste or the future of regenerative medicine?

Abstract

In recent years, urine has emerged as a source of urine cells. Two different types of cells can be isolated from urine: urine derived stem cells (USCs) and renal tubular cells called urine cells (UCs). USCs have great differentiation properties and can be potentially used in genitourinary tract regeneration. Within this paper, we attempt to demonstrate that such as easily accessible source of cells, collected during completely non-invasive procedures, can be better utilized. Cells derived from urine can be isolated, stored, and used for the creation of urine stem cell banks. In the future, urine holds great potential to become a main source of cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.