The Harvard Gazette

Kidney

Page 1 of 1

The kidneys are made up of about a million tiny units that work to filter blood. Researchers have been attempting to engineer human stem cells so they form into functional podocytes. A human stem cell-derived matured podocyte is captured here via a scanning electron micrograph.

Human stem cells model the kidney’s filtration barrier

A glomerulus-on-a-chip could model patient-specific kidney diseases, guide therapeutic discovery

Science|

DateMay 10, 2017

The buildup of scar tissue, known as fibrosis, has a number of consequences, including inflammation and reduced blood and oxygen delivery to the organ. Long term, the scar tissue can lead to organ failure and sometimes eventually death. It is estimated that fibrosis contributes to 45 percent of all deaths in the developed world.

The cellular origin of fibrosis

Harvard team identifies rare stem cells that give rise to chronic tissue scarring

Health|

DateNovember 20, 2014April 8, 2019

Organ Transplant

Science|

DateOctober 12, 2011February 13, 2018

Bob Kao, a graduate student in the laboratory of Andrew McMahon in the departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, is one of the team members who was recognized with a 2011 Wellcome Image Award for their rendering of a kidney.

Kidney close-up

Scientists’ prize-winning images rich with detail, data

Health|

DateMarch 28, 2011June 18, 2019

A new study “provides a proof of principle that adult kidney stem cells exist in nature and that treating renal disease with a stem cell-type therapy is theoretically possible,” said Alan J. Davidson, a professor at Harvard Medical School when the work was conducted.

Adult kidney stem cells found in fish

Research may be a first step toward better care

Health|

DateJanuary 26, 2011May 15, 2019