Characterisation of human renal stem/progenitor cells: identification of new cell surface markers of renal multipotent cells which could have regenerative role in kidney lesions

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing every year. At present, dialysis and transplantation remain the only treatments of CKD. Hopefully, regenerative medicine including reprogramming of adult progenitor cells may soon provide additional options for kidney repair. Current study deals with identification of the exact renal localisation and characteristics of the progenitor cell pools. In humans, NCAM+ metanephric mesenchymal stroma contains stem cells in the foetal kidney, which have the capacity to differentiate into various cells of the nephron. Recently we have shown that human normal adult kidneys contain rare NCAM+ interstitial cells which express CD133 and CD34, and they are localised in cortico-medullary junction. NCAM+ cells are slightly increased in incipient interstitial fibrosis. In this project we would like to apply a panel of new antibodies against mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow which react with mesenchyme of human foetal renal tissue, and to compare them with NCAM expression. Additionally, for characterisation of renal progenitor cells we will identify progenitor transcription factors Pax2, Wt1, Wt4, Six1, Six2, Wnt4 and surface markers CD24, CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166, CD271, cadherin 9 etc. For this purpose we will use immunomorphology, double immunofluorescent technique, in situ PCR and PCR from renal tissue. Characterisation of their surface markers could help us to understand better their role in interstitial fibrosis and kidney repair.