Cell-Based Models for Kidney Disease Research

Ace Therapeutics delivers preclinical cell based disease modeling for renal disorders using human-relevant in vitro platforms. Our services enable mechanistic insight and candidate screening without animal testing by leveraging primary renal cells, genetically engineered systems and advanced organoid technology.

Understanding Cell-Based Renal Disease Modeling

Cell-based disease modeling has revolutionized kidney disease research by enabling precise recapitulation of human pathophysiology in controlled in vitro environments. Advanced systems, including primary renal cells and iPSC-derived organoids, allow investigators to study disease mechanisms—from glomerular dysfunction to tubular injury—while assessing drug responses in human-relevant contexts. These models bridge the gap between traditional animal studies and clinical trials, offering mechanistic insights critical for target identification and therapeutic validation.

Core Services in Renal Cell-Based Disease Modeling

Functional Primary Renal Cell Systems

We isolate and culture high-purity primary human renal cells to model disease-specific pathways. Key applications include:

Cell Type	Disease Relevance	Readout Parameters
Podocytes	Glomerular filtration barrier integrity	Albumin permeability, cytoskeletal dynamics
Tubular Epithelia	Electrolyte transport, fibrosis	Transepithelial resistance, cytokine secretion
Mesangial Cells	Diabetic/immune-mediated injury	Matrix expansion, contractility assays

Genetic Nephropathy Models

Customizable in vitro systems to study monogenic kidney diseases (e.g., PKD, Alport syndrome)

• CRISPR-edited cell lines with mutations in PKD1, COL4A3, or other targets.
• Phenotypic validation via qPCR, immunofluorescence, and functional assays.

iPSC-Derived Vascularized Nephron Organoids

Patient-specific 3D kidney models that recapitulate nephrovascular interactions:

• Differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Vascularized glomeruli and tubules for compound toxicity/efficacy screening.

Complex Disease Induction Models

• Diabetic Nephropathy: High-glucose/AGE-induced podocyte injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
• IgA Nephropathy: Gd-IgA1-mediated mesangial cell activation and complement signaling analysis.

Key Advantages of Partnering with Ace Therapeutics

• Biologically Relevant Systems: Primary cells and organoids retain donor-specific disease signatures.
• Multiparametric Analysis: Combine functional assays (e.g., live-cell imaging) with omics profiling.
• Customization: Tailor models to study specific pathways, biomarkers, or therapeutic modalities.

Applications Across Drug Development Workflows

• Target Validation: Mechanistic studies using siRNA or small-molecule inhibitors.
• Lead Optimization: High-content screening for efficacy and renal safety.
• Biomarker Discovery: Proteomic/transcriptomic analysis of disease progression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)