Steering Stem Cells to Build Smarter Kidney Organoids
Journal: Nature Communications
Author: Schnell, J., Miao, Z., Achieng, M. et al., USA
The kidney’s proximal tubule cells are vital for reabsorbing nutrients but are also highly prone to injury, often leading to kidney failure. Human stem-cell – derived kidney organoids have been promising for modeling kidney biology, though their proximal regions usually remain immature. In this study, researchers mimicked natural developmental cues by transiently inhibiting PI3K and activating Notch signaling, steering organoids toward mature proximal tubules. These “proximal-biased” organoids not only express key transporters but also show realistic injury responses, making them powerful tools for studying kidney development, disease, and potential therapies.
Pinpointing the Colon’s Hidden Cancer Seeds
Journal: Nature Cell Biology
Author: Gasnier, M., Chen, T.CY., Yada, S. et al., Singapore / Japan
Most colorectal cancer mouse models fail to capture colon specificity or the role of resident stem cells. Researchers identified NOX1 and NPY1R as surface markers that distinguish regional LGR5+ colon stem cells. By selectively disrupting signaling in these populations, they showed how caecal and rectal stem cells can serve as origins of colon cancer, leading to advanced invasive disease when combined with Kras activation and p53 loss. The work also introduces new CreERT2 tools to study stem-cell contributions to colorectal cancer.
Waking Up Dormant Cells to Stop Breast Cancer’s Return
Journal: Nature Medicine
Author: DeMichele, A., Clark, A.S., Shea, E. et al., USA
Breast cancer often recurs due to dormant tumor cells that hide in bone marrow. Preclinical studies revealed that autophagy and mTOR pathways help these cells survive, suggesting they could be therapeutic targets. In the phase 2 CLEVER trial, breast cancer survivors with detectable tumor cells in bone marrow received hydroxychloroquine, everolimus, or both. The treatments were safe, reduced or cleared dormant cells in many patients, and were linked to improved recurrence-free survival, supporting a larger clinical trial.
Mini-Livers Help Crack the Code of Dengue Infection
Journal: Nature Communications
Author: Li, MQ., Xu, YP., Li, K. et al. , China
Dengue virus infects up to 400 million people each year, yet no antiviral treatments exist. To address this gap, researchers created liver organoids from human stem cells that accurately mimic dengue infection and cell damage. Using this model, they identified two compounds, oxyresveratrol and omaveloxolone, that protect against infection by activating the NRF2 pathway and preserving mitochondrial function. The findings not only validate these drugs in mouse models but also establish liver organoids as a powerful platform for antiviral discovery.
