3D Culture Supports Long-Term Expansion of Mouse and Human Nephrogenic Progenitors

Transit-amplifying nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) generate all of the nephrons of the mammalian kidney during development. Their limited numbers, poor in vitro expansion, and difficult accessibility in humans have slowed basic and translational research into renal development and diseases. Here, we show that with appropriate 3D culture conditions, it is possible to support long-term expansion of primary mouse and human fetal NPCs as well as NPCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Expanded NPCs maintain genomic stability, molecular homogeneity, and nephrogenic potential in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Cultured NPCs are amenable to gene targeting and can form nephron organoids that engraft in vivo, functionally couple to the host’s circulatory system, and produce urine-like metabolites via filtration. Together, these findings provide a technological platform for studying human nephrogenesis, modeling and diagnosing renal diseases, and drug discovery. [Display omitted] •Derivation and long-term culture of mouse and human NPC lines•Rapid and efficient nephron organoid formation from mouse and human NPC lines•Long-term cultured NPC lines show nephrogenic potential in vivo•NPC lines enable gene editing and disease modeling Li et al. report the derivation and long-term culture of mouse and human nephron progenitor cell lines under chemically defined conditions in 3D format. Expanded NPCs have nephrogenic potential in vitro and in vivo and allow the study of kidney organogenesis, gene editing, drug screening, and disease modeling.