Register at https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kdu6prT0jGt3T8Nx2Pt7E5lg4bbAu5I9l

Hosted by the USC Stem Cell T32 Training Program

Abstract: Robust stem cell-based organoid models open up a new avenue for understanding human organ formation and disease pathogenesis. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids recapitulate multiple spatiotemporal processes of morphogenesis observed in the developing human kidney, but manifest only the rudimentary function of the in vivo kidney. One significant limitation associated with the current generation of organoids is that generic cell types, including vasculature, neurons, and immune cells, are underrepresented. Our laboratory is interested in developing human stem cell culture approaches for the generation of kidney organoids that harbor a comprehensive repertoire of generic cell types to better understand and interrogate the collective behavior of this multicellular system. We wish to dissect the reciprocal interactions between tissue-specific and generic cell types that are critical for structural sophistication, functional maturation, and pathogenesis. To accomplish this, we are employing multidisciplinary experimental frameworks, including multicellular self-organization, high-resolution imaging, genetic perturbation, and single cell analysis.