Unlocking the full potential of human pluripotent stem cell–derived kidney organoids through bioengineering

Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cells hold inherent properties, allowing researchers to recapitulate key morphogenetic processes. These characteristics, coupled with bioengineering techniques, have led to the definition of early procedures to derive organ-like cell cultures, the so-called organoids. With regard to kidney organoids, challenges stand ahead, such as the need to enhance cellular composition, maturation, and function to that found in the native organ. To this end, the kidney organoid field has begun to nourish from innovative engineering approaches aiming to gain control on the externally imposed biochemical and biophysical cues. In this review, we first introduce how previous research in kidney development and human pluripotent stem cells has informed the establishment of current kidney organoid procedures. We then discuss recent engineering approaches to guide kidney organoid self-organization, differentiation, and maturation. In addition, we present current strategies to engineer vascularization and promote in vivo–like physiological microenvironments as potential solutions to increase kidney organoid lifespan and functionality. We finally emphasize how working at the cusp of cell mechanics and computational biology will set the ground for successful translational applications of kidney organoids.