PKD1 mutation perturbs morphogenesis in tubular epithelial organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common renal genetic disease, with most patients carrying mutations in PKD1. The main feature is the formation of bilateral renal cysts, leading to end stage renal failure in a significant proportion of those affected. Despite recent advances made in understanding ADPKD, there are currently no effective curative therapies. The emergence of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived kidney disease models has led to renewed hope that more physiological systems will allow for the development of novel treatments. hiPSC-derived organoid models have been used to recapitulate ADPKD, however they present numerous limitations which remain to be addressed. In the present study, we report an efficient method for generating organoids containing a network of polarised and ciliated epithelial tubules. PKD1 null (PKD1-/-) organoids spontaneously develop dilated tubules, recapitulating early ADPKD cystogenesis. Furthermore, PKD1-/- tubules present primary cilia defects when dilated. Our model could therefore serve as a valuable tool to study early ADPKD cystogenesis and to develop novel therapies.