At NEOGRAFT, my team focuses on gaining a deep understanding of the regenerative potential, immunomodulatory properties, and safety of nKSPC using advanced technologies. Our ultimate goal is to develop a clinical-grade nKSPC suitable for clinical trials.
1. Establishing a Biobank of nKSPCs
We have established a biobank of neonatal kidney stem/progenitor cells (nKSPCs) by collecting and preserving more than 230 cell lines from the urine of 58 premature babies of different gestational ages. Through advanced genetic analysis, we discovered that even cells from the same baby can be quite different. Some had strong kidney stem cell properties, while others—especially from full-term babies—showed a mix of stem cell and more mature kidney cell traits.
2. Harnessing nKSPC Healing Power
- Controlling Inflammation and Preventing Damage
Our in vitro studies demonstrated that nKSPCs can decrease immune cell activation, reducing harmful inflammation and preventing cell death. This could be crucial for protecting kidneys from injury and disease.
- Integrating into Kidney Tissue
To test their regenerative potential, we introduced nKSPCs into mini-kidneys grown in the lab (kidney organoids). The results are promising—these cells successfully integrated into kidney structures, further supporting their potential to repair and restore damaged
kidneys.
3. Testing nKSPCs in Donor Kidneys
To see how nKSPCs could help real human kidneys, we tested them using human donor kidneys that were not suitable for transplantation. We used a technique called machine perfusion, which keeps the kidneys functioning outside the body.
Each experiment involved a pair of kidneys from the same donor—one was treated with nKSPCs, while the other acted as a control, receiving only a standard solution. Over a 28-hour period, the kidneys treated with nKSPCs showed significant improvements:
- Better oxygen use
- Improved blood flow
- Increased urine production
- Lower levels of injury markers
Altogether, these results suggest that donor kidneys treated with nKSPCs experience enhanced metabolism and reduced tissue damage, potentially improving their viability for transplantation.
4. Preparing nKSPCs for Clinical Use
A key step in the NEOGRAFT project is ensuring that nKSPCs can be safely used in future treatments. To achieve this, we developed a specialized, animal-free cell culture medium that allows these cells to grow under conditions that meet the highest safety and quality standards (cGMP).
Using advanced robotics and AI, we tested and optimized this new medium, confirming that it successfully supports nKSPCs’ growth and function while maintaining their regenerative properties.
The next steps will focus on:
- Studying how these cells interact with the immune system
- Further testing their ability to improve kidney function
- Ensuring their safety profile for future clinical applications
