What if instead of having a donor, the patient themselves can remove stem cells from their own body to regenerate a brand new kidney? This may seem like science fiction, but researchers are trying to make this possible. Scientists are looking into how stem cells found in bone marrow can actually be reprogrammed into kidney cells, so that the kidney may be kept healthy and active. Harvard’s stem cell institute has been the most successful so far. Their research is based off of mesenchymal stem cells, which are found in bone marrow. These stems cells act as the natural defense in the body, as they help to heal the kidneys if injured. These researchers are attempting to remove the proteins found in these cells and implement them into the kidney through transplantation, as shown in the picture. These cells may also be placed into dialysis machines, so the cells may go directly to the damaged kidneys. These stem cells are also being formed into specific kidney structures for long-term use. Nephrons located in the kidney, for example, filters blood and removes waste so it may be removed through urination. These Harvard scientist are attempting to mold these cells into the shape of a nephron, which will act out the functions of a real nephron. With this, the cells may be more effective in helping the kidneys with their normal functions. Sources: Herrera, Marcela, and Maria Mirotsou. "Stem cells: potential and challenges for kidney repair." American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. American Physiological Society, 01 Jan. 2014. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <http://ajprenal.physiology.org/content/306/1/F12>. "Kidney Disease." Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI). Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <http://hsci.harvard.edu/kidney-disease-0>. "UNC Kidney Center." Parts of the Nephron - UNC Kidney Center. N.p., 29 June 2015. Web. 05 Apr. 2017. <http://unckidneycenter.org/images/kidney-health-library-pictures/parts-of-the-nephron/view>.
1 Comment
Raylene Streuber
5/1/2017 02:40:25 pm
That truly is amazing-- thank goodness for modern day science. Maybe you will be part of developing this further in your future!
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