Engineering Human Collecting System Reporter Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines

Key Personnel

Sanjay Jain (PI)
Washington University in St. Louis

• Bendi Gong
  Washington University in St. Louis
• Shondra Miller
  Washington University in St. Louis

Project Description

We propose to generate modified human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) reporter lines with a genetically encoded activity sensor that tags key cell types important in development and function of the urinary collecting system. We will leverage an existing WTC11 hiPSC line that harbors GCaMP6 as an activity sensor thereby enhancing the functional utility of these lines by superimposing physiology onto development during or after a desired cell type or kidney organoid is formed. Multi-labeled reporter hiPSC cell lines of the collecting system in this proposal will enable RBK members to incorporate this essential component of the kidneys in efforts to optimize nephron formation, patterning and organization in scaffolds with the goal of making a kidney that maintains homeostasis and successfully expels urine.