About our research group/lab
Our research
Kidney organoid models
We use pluripotent stem cell and adult stem cell-derived kidney organoids to model kidney disease and transplant related injury to better understand the mechanisms of kidney disease development. Organ-on-chip models are used to improve the physiological relevance of the models and to introduce interactions between different organ compartments.
Fibrosis
Fibrosis is the main endpoint of kidney injury. We are investigating the mechanisms of fibrosis development and study the role of diverse cell types in the fibrosis process. We explore opportunities to reduce fibrosis development.
Machine perfusion
In close collaboration with our clinical partners we are studying the effects of machine perfusion on the transplant kidney and investigate the use of machine perfusion as a platform for regenerative therapies.
Cellular therapy
Cell therapy offers the potential to replace lost or non-functional cells. We are studying whether and how adult stem cells and pluripotent stem cell derived cell types can be used to repair injured kidney tissue.
Our projects
- Unraveling the fibrotic process in kidney allografts
- Exploring of and interfering with allo-immune responses in a kidney organoid model
- Modelling Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) and Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) in kidney organoid models
- Studying transplant-related effects in a liver-kidney multi-organ-on-chip model
- Analysis of hormonal function of kidneys on machine perfusion
