Reprogramming the kidney: A novel approach for regeneration

Abstract

Nuclear reprogramming has reshaped stem cell science and created new avenues for cell-based therapies. The ability to bestow any given phenotype upon adult cells regardless of their origin is an exciting possibility. How can this powerful tool be harnessed for the treatment of kidney disease? Many approaches, including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) production, direct lineage conversion, and reprogramming to a kidney progenitor, are now possible. Indeed, the generation of iPSC lines from adult kidney-derived cells has been successfully achieved. This, however, is just the beginning of the challenge. This review will discuss the fundamental concepts of transcription factor-based reprogr..