Our newest research publication highlights the importance of using developmentally appropriate non-animal models for studying human diseases

Given the growing interest in non-animal models (#NAMs) and human-relevant systems, we are thrilled to share the publication of our latest research in Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering! This study highlights the importance of using developmentally appropriate models for studying diseases that affect postnatal humans, which include children and adults. Using a vascularized kidney-on-a-chip model, we discovered that susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection is significantly higher in mature glomerular epithelium compared to less specialized derivatives and progenitor cells (which might explain the inability of fetal-like organoids to model clinical observation in affected patients). Notably, infection with SARS-CoV-2 led to altered expression of cell lineage markers, with mature podocytes showing distinct transcriptional responses linked to viral host factors and entry pathways. These findings underscore the need for developmentally appropriate preclinical models to investigate disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic responses. Our work also offers new insights into organ-specific disease mechanisms and informs future therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research reinforces the necessity of refining preclinical model systems to better align with human physiology and ensure the translational relevance of biomedical research.

The full paper is now available online at: A Vascularized Human Organ Chip Reveals SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility in Developmentally Guided Tissue Maturation | Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering