Nephron progenitor cell (NPC)

Nephron progenitor cells are a population of kidney-specific stem/progenitor cells essential for kidney development and nephron formation. These cells, marked by expression of SIX2 and NCAM1, are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into all epithelial components of the nephron. While in humans they are naturally present during development and lost before or shortly after birth, recent advances in stem cell technology have enabled the derivation of NPCs from induced pluripotent stem cells for research and therapeutic purposes. Engraftment of NPCs into injured or developing kidneys in animal models has demonstrated their ability to integrate, differentiate, and promote regeneration of kidney structures[2][4][5][3][6]. Cell-based therapies using nephron progenitor cells (human or engineered) are under investigation for the treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases, offering potential for kidney repair through targeted regeneration and functional restoration.

Other names

Renal progenitor cellKidney progenitor cellHuman nephron progenitor cell (hNPC)Induced pluripotent stem cell–derived nephron progenitor cell (iPSC-NPC)SIX2-positive cap mesenchymal cell

Engraftment and differentiation into nephron structures Secretion of trophic factors (e.g., VEGF-A) promoting repair and neovascularization[5] Direct replacement of damaged renal epithelial cells