Abstract
End stage renal failure is a devastating condition that involves multiple organ systems in affected individuals. Although management strategies, such as dialysis, are able to prolong survival, renal transplantation is the only definitive treatment that can restore complete kidney function. However, transplantation is limited by several factors, such as critical donor shortage, complications due to chronic immunosuppressive therapy and rejection. Recent advances in cell technologies have facilitated the development of cell-based approaches for kidney tissue regeneration. The kidney exhibits a complex cellular composition, which makes bioengineering renal tissue a challenging task. Isolation and expansion of specific types of renal cells, such as erythropoietin-producing cells, may be a good approach for selective cell therapy. In addition, different cell sources, improved growth environments, novel differentiation factors and the use of synthetic or natural biomaterials have led to exciting regenerative medicine strategies that may be used to restore renal function. Although these approaches hold promise, implementation of these technologies in the clinic is still distant. This chapter reviews current regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies that may be used to develop innovative alternatives to improve, restore or replace renal function.
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