Strategies for Improving Vascularization in Kidney Organoids: A Review of Current Trends

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Organoids are small, 3D models of organs that can help researchers study organ function and disease. Kidney organoids have the potential to treat chronic kidney disease, which affects over 800 million people. However, creating fully functioning kidney organoids is still a challenge due to functional immaturity and the lack of blood vessels and tissue organization. This article discusses the current challenges and efforts in developing matured and vascularized organoids. ABSTRACT: Kidney organoids possess the potential to revolutionize the treatment of renal diseases. However, their growth and maturation are impeded by insufficient growth of blood vessels. Through a PubMed search, we have identified 34 studies that attempted to address this challenge. Researchers are exploring various approaches including animal transplantation, organ-on-chips, and extracellular matrices (ECMs). The most prevalent method to promote the maturation and vascularization of organoids involves transplanting them into animals for in vivo culture, creating an optimal environment for organoid growth and the development of a chimeric vessel network between the host and organoids. Organ-on-chip technology permits the in vitro culture of organoids, enabling researchers to manipulate the microenvironment and investigate the key factors that influence organoid development. Lastly, ECMs have been discovered to aid the formation of blood vessels during organoid differentiation. ECMs from animal tissue have been particularly successful, although the underlying mechanisms require further research. Future research building upon these recent studies may enable the generation of functional kidney tissues for replacement therapies.