Queensland scientists have grown a kidney from stem cells, heralding a potential blockbuster weapon in the fight against renal disease.



The University of Queensland breakthrough is an exciting step forward on the path of bioengineering – that is, growing new organs.



Melissa Little from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience said the team designed a protocol that prompted stem cells to “self-organise” into a mini-kidney in a dish.



“During self-organisation, different types of cells arrange themselves with respect to each other to create the complex structures that exist within an organ, in this case, the kidney,” Professor Little said.



“The fact that such stem cell populations can undergo self-organisation in the laboratory bodes well for the future of tissue bioengineering to replace damaged and diseased organs and tissues.”



Professor Little said it could also be a powerful tool to identify drugs that could be harmful to the kidneys before they reached clinical trials.



One in three Australians are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, and the only available therapies are dialysis and kidney transplants.



“Only one in four patients will receive a donated organ, and dialysis is an ongoing and restrictive treatment regime,” Professor Little said.



“We need to improve outcomes for patients with this debilitating condition, which costs Australia $1.8 billion a year.”



She said while the stem cell mini-kidney was an exciting step forward, there was much work still to be done.



Queensland Science Minister Ian Walker said biomedical research was crucial to ensure a healthier future.



“The work by the IMB research team is an important milestone in developing improved treatments for chronic kidney disease and will ensure those with the condition can continue to live fulfilling and productive lives,” Mr Walker said.



Professor Little said while the research was led by IMB, it also included the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Monash University.



The findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature Cell Biology.



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