Generation of Induced Nephron Progenitor-like Cells from Human Urine-Derived Cells

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Abstract
Background: Regenerative medicine strategies employing nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) are a viable approach that is worthy of substantial consideration as a promising cell source for kidney diseases. However, the generation of induced nephron progenitor-like cells (iNPCs) from human somatic cells remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a novel method for generating NPCs from human urine-derived cells (UCs) that can undergo long-term expansion in a serum-free condition. Results: Here, we generated iNPCs from human urine-derived cells by forced expression of the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC, and SLUG, followed by exposure to a cocktail of defined small molecules. These iNPCs resembled human embryonic stem cell-derived NPCs in terms of their morphology, biological characteristics, differentiation potential, and global gene expression and underwent a long-term expansion in serum-free conditions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that human iNPCs can be readily generated and expanded, which will facilitate their broad applicability in a rapid, efficient, and patient-specific manner, particularly holding the potential as a transplantable cell source for patients with kidney disease.
Funding Information
  • Korean government (MSIT) (2014M3A9D3034158, 2014M3A9D3034164, 2016R1C1B1011180, 2018R1C1B5040264, 2019R1A2C1004046, 2019R1F1A1044473, 2019R1H1A1079839)
  • Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (R0005886)

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