Urine-Derived Stem Cells for Tissue Repair in the Genitourinary System

Tissue-specific stem cells can more efficiently repair the tissue from which they originate, compared to other types of adult stem cells. Human urine-derived stem cells (USCs), a subpopulation of cells constantly exposed to urine, possess biological characteristics of stem cells, and thus are an optimal cell source for tissue repair in the genitourinary system. USCs display clonogenicity, high proliferation capacity, stem cell marker expression profiles, and multipotent differentiation capacity. These cells can more efficiently differentiate into the cell types of the genitourinary tract, particular in urothelial cells, renal podocytes, and endothelial cells, compared to other adult stem cells. In addition, USCs secrete numerous growth factors and cytokines to support cell growth, differentiation, resident stem cell recruitment, and immunomodulatory properties. In vivo studies in rodent models of diabetic erectile dysfunction, urinary tract incontinence, and renal dysfunction demonstrated that USCs significantly enhanced organ function via angiogenesis and transdifferentiation, and showed anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties after implantation of USCs. USCs can be obtained via a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost approach. Thus, USCs offer an extremely promising cell source for cell-based therapy in androurology.