Generation of mitochondria-rich kidney organoids from expandable intermediate mesoderm progenitors reprogrammed from human urine cells under defined medium

Abstract

Background: The kidneys require vast amounts of mitochondria to provide ample energy to reabsorb nutrients and regulate electrolyte, fluid, and blood pressure homeostasis. The lack of the human model hinders the investigation of mitochondria homeostasis related to kidney physiology and disease.

Results: Here, we report the generation of mitochondria-rich kidney organoids via partial reprogramming of human urine cells (hUCs) under the defined medium. First, we reprogrammed mitochondria-rich hUCs into expandable intermediate mesoderm progenitor like cells (U-iIMPLCs), which in turn generated nephron progenitors and formed kidney organoids in both 2D and 3D cultures. Cell fate transitions were confirmed at each stage by marker expressions at the RNA and protein levels, along with chromatin accessibility dynamics. Single cell RNA-seq revealed hUCs-induced kidney organoids (U-iKOs) consist of podocytes, tubules, and mesenchyme cells with 2D dominated with mesenchyme and 3D with tubule and enriched specific mitochondria function associated genes. Specific cell types, such as podocytes and proximal tubules, loop of Henle, and distal tubules, were readily identified. Consistent with these cell types, 3D organoids exhibited the functional and structural features of the kidney, as indicated by dextran uptake and transmission electron microscopy. These organoids can be further matured in the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Finally, cisplatin, gentamicin, and forskolin treatment led to anatomical abnormalities typical of kidney injury and altered mitochondria homeostasis respectively.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that U-iKOs recapitulate the structural and functional characteristics of the kidneys, providing a promising model to study mitochondria-related kidney physiology and disease in a personalized manner.