# Nephrogenesis on a chip: an simple modular platform to spatially pattern extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and soluble factors

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · 2024 · $238,184

## Abstract

Abstract
It is well appreciated that the spatial organization of the biophysical and biochemical cues in the extracellular
matrix (ECM) in concert with the stromal cell organization along the cortical-medullary axis of the developing
kidney is vitally important to nephron development. These insights have been obtained from animal and organoid
models, however, the exact mechanisms behind the tightly regulated spatial and temporal differentiation and cell
specification have not been fully established. Although reductionistic, an in vitro microphysiological system (MPS)
offers a platform that allows recapitulation and control of the developing kidney's critical structural and functional
components. Here, we develop an easy-to-use modular 3D model of the developing nephron in which the
biophysical and biochemical cues of the ECM, soluble factors, and stromal cell identity can be spatially patterned
along the length of an epithelialized tube (Aim 1). In Aim 2, we will create a framework for MPS fabrication and
model establishment to enable wide distribution and technology transfer to other labs that are established experts
in investigating different aspects of nephrogenesis and renal pathology but non-experts in using microfluidic in
vitro models. This easy-to-use system will provide researchers without MPS expertise with a tool to investigate
the role and mechanisms of biochemical, cell-cell, and cell-ECM interactions during nephrogenesis. As such,
this model will be designed to be quickly and easily disseminated to the research community to rapidly increase
mechanistic investigation of nephrogenesis for biological understanding, pharmacological screening, and tissue
engineering applications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11039098
- **Project number:** 1R21DK142145-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- **Principal Investigator:** Jason Paul Gleghorn
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $238,184
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-06 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11039098

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11039098, Nephrogenesis on a chip: an simple modular platform to spatially pattern extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and soluble factors (1R21DK142145-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11039098. Licensed CC0.

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