Modeling human kidney in vitro – the potential of renal organoids and tubuloids for urology
Authors:
Viktória Filipková 1; Tomáš Pelikán 2; Roman Zachoval 1; Petr Heneberg 2
Authors‘ workplace:
Urologická klinika 3. LF UK, a Fakultní Thomayerovy, nemocnice, Praha
1; Interní klinika 3. LF UK, a FN Královské Vinohrady, Praha
2
Published in:
Ces Urol 2025; 29(3): 131-140
Category:
Review article
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/cccu2025019
Overview
Renal organoids are advanced tissue cultures that resemble key structural, functional, and developmental aspects of native kidney tissue in vitro. Organoids enable a person-alized approach to disease diagnosis and treatment, with their relevance in urology continuously increasing. Organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells allow modeling of embryonic nephron development, whereas tubuloids generated from adult cells better mimic the functions of mature renal tissue. Due to their ability to reflect the genetic and functional characteristics of individual patients, organoids are utilized for drug efficacy and toxicity testing, investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying kidney diseases, and hold potential in regenerative medicine. Tumor organoids offer promising applications in oncogenesis research, tumor microenvironment modeling, and prediction of therapeutic responses. Despite current challenges in cultivation and functional integration of these tissues, the clinical applications of renal organoids are rapidly expanding.
Major statement: This review presents a comprehensive survey of renal organoids, encompassing their characterization, potential applications, limitations, and prospects, with particular emphasis on their relevance to the field of urology.
Keywords:
cancer organoids – kidney organoids – personalized medicine – renal cell carcinoma – tubu-loid
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