A rapid in vivo assay system for analyzing the organogenetic capacity of human kidney cells.

Transplantation of human kidney-derived cells is a potential therapeutic modality for promoting regeneration of diseased renal tissue. However, assays that determine the ability of candidate populations for renal cell therapy to undergo appropriate differentiation and morphogenesis are limited. We report here a rapid and humane assay for characterizing tubulogenic potency utilizing the well-established chorioallantoic membrane CAM) of the chick embryo.