Tuning the 3D microenvironment of reprogrammed tubule cells enhances biomimetic modeling of polycystic kidney disease.

Renal tubular cells frequently lose differentiation markers and physiological properties when propagated in conventional cell culture conditions. Embedding cells in 3D microenvironments or controlling their 3D assembly by bioprinting can enhance their physiological properties, which is beneficial for modeling diseases in vitro. A potential cellular source for modeling renal tubular physiology and kidney diseases in vitro are directly reprogrammed induced renal tubular epithelial cells (iRECs).