Scientists Grow ‘Mini Kidneys’ in Lab, Offering Hope for Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have made a significant breakthrough in the study of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) by successfully growing ‘mini kidneys’ in the lab and grafting them into live mice. This groundbreaking research has provided new insights into the metabolic defects associated with PKD and offers potential hope for more effective treatments in the future. The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, reported that the engrafted mini kidneys exhibited critical disease characteristics, including the spontaneous formation of cysts in the kidneys and subsequent damage to its tiny tubes. This research represents a significant step forward in the understanding and potential treatment of PKD, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients in the future.