Kidney Disease Microenvironment Engineering Services
Ace Therapeutics specializes in preclinical solutions for kidney disease research, focusing on Disease Microenvironment Engineering to bridge the gap between traditional cell culture and in vivo complexity. Our platform integrates physiologically relevant stressors, biomechanical cues, and biochemical gradients to model renal pathologies with unparalleled accuracy.
The kidney microenvironment undergoes dynamic changes in oxygen tension, hemodynamic forces and extracellular matrix composition, all of which shape cellular responses and disease progression. Chronic hypoxia, driven by loss of peritubular capillaries and accumulation of uremic toxins, promotes tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis. Engineering these key factors in vitro enables precise modeling of renal pathophysiology and supports targeted preclinical studies.
The interplay of cellular, biophysical, and biochemical factors within the kidney's microenvironment dictates disease progression and therapeutic responses. To capture this complexity, preclinical models must replicate context-specific stressors—from hemodynamic forces to metabolic imbalances. The following technologies enable systematic dissection of pathological mechanisms by engineering microenvironments aligned with clinical disease states.
Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is replicated using hypoxic chambers (1% O2) to simulate tubular epithelial cell stress and metabolic shifts.
Customizable fluid shear stress systems emulate glomerular endothelial hemodynamics to study:
Tunable collagen/fibronectin matrices mimic renal interstitial remodeling in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
| Parameter | Design Flexibility |
| Stiffness | 2 kPa – 20 kPa (physiological range) |
| Biochemical Gradients | Collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin |
| 3D Architecture | Tubule-like or glomerular spheroids |
Dual-factor models combine advanced glycation end-products (e.g., CML) and protein-bound toxins (indoxyl sulfate) to replicate diabetic or CKD microenvironments.
What cell types can be used in your hypoxia chambers?
We support primary human proximal tubular cells, podocytes, endothelial cells and co-culture systems.
Can you adjust shear stress parameters for specific glomerular models?
Yes, flow rates can be programmed to mimic capillary-level shear from 5 to 20 dyn/cm².
How are ECM hydrogel properties tuned?
Hydrogel stiffness and composition are modified by collagen concentration and crosslinking density; gradients are established via microfluidic mixing.
Do you offer custom toxin combinations?
Our standard panel includes CML and indoxyl sulfate, but additional uremic toxins can be incorporated based on study needs.
How long does method development take?
Timelines vary with complexity; detailed scheduling is provided during protocol design.
Is data analysis included?
Yes, all projects include comprehensive data processing, visualization and interpretation in report format.
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Experimental Scheme
Implementation
Conclusion
Ace Therapeutics has a group of highly committed and skilled researchers with the objective to provide innovative preclinical contract research solutions to cope with kidney diseases.
We strives to accelerate the development of innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs.