Oliver Wessely (PI)
Cleveland Clinic
Jan Jensen (PI)
Cleveland Clinic
Kidney function is based on the intricate interplay of a range of highly specialized cells. Thus, any approach in rebuilding the kidney depends on the generation of the right cell types in sufficient amounts and purity. This project will address this critical need. We will use state-of-the-art technology and a Quality-by-Design approach to guide a multistep differentiation process of human pluripotent stem cells obtaining pure populations of functional kidney cells. We will then characterize those cells for their ability to assemble into kidney-like structures and perform some of the critical functions executed by a healthy kidney.