Figure 2. Models to Combine Stem Cells and Kidney Engineering.

(a) ES or iPS cells are differentiated into kidney progenitors. Alternatively, somatic cells may be directly reprogrammed into progenitors. These cells are then combined either with a decellularized kidney scaffold, or alternatively with a synthetic cartridge, to differentiate into functional kidney cell types. The goal with both types of engineered kidney is to transplant into humans with kidney failure.