Evidence for Renal Progenitors in the Human Kidney

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that a population of resident progenitor cells has a role in maintaining kidney integrity, homeostasis, and the regenerative capacity of the kidney. The identification of renal progenitors opens a wide range of possibilities to support progress in several fields of nephrology. Indeed, renal progenitors have become a novel player in the pathogenesis of certain kidney disorders, and their study is increasing knowledge about the mechanisms of kidney response to injury. Renal progenitors can be isolated and cultured from kidney tissue, becoming an innovative tool for research purposes. More important, the recent identification of a method for culturing them specifically from urine finally creates the potential for personalized medicine for the kidney. Thus, renal progenitors represent an innovative tool for modeling genetic kidney disorders in the context of the individual's overall genetic and epigenetic background, as well as potential targets to promote innovative treatment strategies for renal disorders.