Kidney injury, stem cells and regeneration

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review summarizes the most recent advances in stem cell and regenerative approaches to treat kidney injury, and highlights areas of active controversy. Over the past year, a number of findings have been reported that have brought this field much closer to clinical translation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent progress in regenerative nephrology includes the directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells to kidney fates, understanding the proliferative capacity of tubules after injury, the use of mesenchymal stem cells for kidney disease and tissue engineering approaches to renal replacement. Controversies persist, however, including whether adult epithelial stem cells exist at all, the best therapeutic strategy for the treatment of kidney injury and how to use mesenchymal stem cells optimally for the prevention of acute kidney injury. SUMMARY: Although recent progress in kidney regeneration is very encouraging, current controversies must be resolved before clinical breakthroughs can occur.