Test tube kidneys?

While I'm sure that Miromatrix would shudder at my description, it looks like they're developing the equivalent of a test tube kidney which could be used for transplant.

While the science and bioengineering behind it is extremely complex, this is how I understand it.

Miromatrix uses decellularization and recellularization technology to create a transplantable kidney.

Huh?

They take an dead organ - it doesn't even need to be human - and using detergents (I'm guessing they're stronger than Dawn ;-) ) they strip away all the cells. What remains is the kidney's extracellular matrix (collagen, enzymes and glycoproteins) and all its chemical cues. Then the "generic" organ is repopulated with the transplant candidate's cells, eliminating the risk it will be rejected upon implantation.

Early studies have shown that it takes from four to eight days to culture the transplantable kidney and, even better, the new organ produces urine when tested.

Because a PKD patient's genetic material is fubar'd, I'm guessing this approach would not work. But there have got to be ways around that (possible genetic modification of cells to eliminate the PK1/PK2 gene? or use of closely matched genetic material? or... I'll leave it up to the experts).

Regardless, it's an exciting time for someone with CKD. I can't wait to see what the future holds for innovative developments in the treatment of CKD/PKD.