Recellularization of Kidney Scaffold With Stem Cells

Renal transplantation is the ideal method for restoring renal function in patients affected by end-stage renal disease. However, the shortage of donor organs and the increasing number of patients waiting for a transplant create a need to develop renal replacement therapy as an alternative to traditional organ transplantation. The potential of decellularized scaffolds derived from native organs has been evolved as a promising approach in regenerative medicine for translating functional organ replacements. However, anatomical complications make kidney regeneration difficult. Here, we review recent advances in the field of kidney regeneration describing how the type of cells and the source of cells used to repopulate the three-dimensional extracellular matrix scaffold are critical to the eventual functionality of the bioengineered organs. Moreover, we present a thorough review of the current literature of whole kidney recellularization.