Kidney Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation: Effect of Scaffold and basic fibroblast growth factor

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, and need alternative therapeutic approaches for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although organ transplantation is effective, it faces challenges such as declining quality of life, immunological responses, transplant rejection, and donor shortages. Tissue engineering, utilizing suitable scaffolds, cells, and growth factors, emerges as a promising treatment option for kidney regeneration. Experiment: We precisely decellularized scaffold, derived from rat kidneys while maintaining its native three-dimensional architecture. The efficiency of decellularization was evaluated through histological examinations, including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and DAPI staining, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The scaffolds were then recellularized with kidney mesenchymal stem cells (kMSCs), and their adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation were assessed over one, two, and three weeks. The expression of specific renal markers, including Wt-1, ZO-1, AQP-1, and ANG-1, was examined through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures. Results: The infiltration rate of cells into the scaffold increased in a time-dependent manner, and the expression of specific renal markers significantly increased, demonstrating successful differentiation of kMSCs within the scaffold. The application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) could intensify the expression of kidney-specific genes. Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of preserving the three-dimensional architecture of the scaffold during decellularization to achieve optimal cellular responses. Moreover, the capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in recellularized scaffolds, facilitated tissue regeneration.