Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (19): 5040-5049.doi: 10.12307/2026.407

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Innovative application of kidney organoids in acute kidney injury

Huang Zhengbo1, Ou Min2, Li Guoshun2, Duan Fuhui2, Liu Jianqi2, Lou Juxiang2, Zhao Yanxiu2, Su Xiaoyan2   

  1. 1Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China; 2Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University (Baoshan People's Hospital), Baoshan 678000, Yunnan Province, China
  • Received:2025-08-25 Accepted:2025-12-03 Online:2026-07-08 Published:2026-02-24
  • Contact: Zhao Yanxiu, Chief physician, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University (Baoshan People's Hospital), Baoshan 678000, Yunnan Province, China; Co-corresponding author: Su Xiaoyan, Associate chief physician, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University (Baoshan People's Hospital), Baoshan 678000, Yunnan Province, China
  • About author:Huang Zhengbo, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong Province, China; Ou Min, MS, Pharmacist, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University (Baoshan People's Hospital), Baoshan 678000, Yunnan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Medical Research Joint Special Key Project of Baoshan City, No. 2023bskjylzd002 (to ZYX)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, the application of kidney organoid technology in acute kidney injury has gradually become a research hotspot. Traditional animal models have species differences from humans, and physiological and pathological processes of their kidneys cannot fully represent the human situation. Kidney organoid technology forms 3D kidney models through stem cell culture, which can simulate the complex structure and function of human kidneys. It has shown great potential in disease modeling and mechanism exploration of acute kidney injury, prediction of drug nephrotoxicity, and exploration of regeneration and repair mechanisms.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the progress in the application of organoid technology in acute kidney injury and to provide new technical approaches and research strategies for the prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury.
METHODS: The relevant literature on organoids and acute kidney injury was retrieved through the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases, in which Chinese and English search terms mainly included “acute kidney injury, organoid, pluripotent stem cell, 3D bioprinting, kidney-on-a-chip, regenerative medicine, kidney transplantation.” All retrieved literature included original research articles and relevant reviews. The search period covered the establishment of each database to April 2025. A total of 99 articles were finally selected for analysis and summary.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The cell sources reported in the current literature for inducing the formation of kidney organoids mainly include pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and stem cells derived from urine. These kidney organoids play a significant role in in vitro drug screening, kidney development, and disease modeling. (2) 3D bioprinting and chip kidney technology are emerging techniques for constructing kidney-like organs. 3D bioprinting can precisely and specifically construct complex multi-cellular structures. Chip kidney technology has features such as high gas permeability, sensitivity, and low cost, which can extend the lifespan of the organoids and increase biocompatibility. It is suitable for preclinical drug development and toxicity screening. (3) The combination of gene editing technology and kidney organoid models has brought new perspectives and tools for the study of kidney diseases, drug development, and regenerative medicine. This technology can construct kidney organoids with specific reporter genes or sensitive indicators, and can also amplify and classify specific types of kidney cells in the organoids. (4) Renal organoids demonstrate unique advantages in disease simulation, drug evaluation, and exploration of regenerative treatment strategies. They can serve as in vitro models for the toxic mechanisms of drugs such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, and red yeast rice supplements that cause acute kidney injury. They can also be used to screen high-throughput drugs and therapeutic drug targets, playing a significant role in the field of regenerative medicine for kidney transplantation.

Key words: acute kidney injury, organoid, kidney transplantation, pluripotent stem cells, kidney, regenerative medicine

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