Microphysiological Systems to Recapitulate the Gut-Kidney Axis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically appears alongside other comorbidities, highlighting an underlying complex pathophysiology that is thought to be vastly modulated by the bidirectional gut-kidney crosstalk. By combining advances in tissue engineering, biofabrication, microfluidics, and biosensors, microphysiological systems (MPSs) have emerged as promising approaches for emulating the in vitro interconnection of multiple organs, while addressing the limitations of animal models. Mimicking the (patho)physiological states of the gut-kidney axis in vitro requires an MPS that can simulate not only this direct bidirectional crosstalk but also the contributions of other physiological participants such as the liver and the immune system. We discuss recent developments in the field that could potentially lead to in vitro modeling of the gut-kidney axis in CKD.

Automated summary

The emergence of microphysiological systems (MPSs) offers a promising approach for in vitro modeling of the gut-kidney axis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) by combining advances in tissue engineering, biofabrication, microfluidics, and biosensors. These systems can simulate the complex bidirectional gut-kidney crosstalk along with contributions from other physiological participants such as the liver and immune system, potentially overcoming limitations of animal models.