Open AccessQuantitative Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Imaging of Human Kidney Biopsies: A Bridge to Precision Medicine in Kidney Disease
Author(s) -
Seth Winfree,
Pierre C. Dagher,
Kenneth W. Dunn,
Michael T. Eadon,
Michael J. Ferkowicz,
Daria Barwinska,
Katherine J. Kelly,
Timothy A. Sutton,
Tarek M. ElAchkar
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the nephron journals/nephron journals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 2235-3186
pISSN - 1660-8151
DOI - 10.1159/000490006
Subject(s) - medicine , kidney disease , biopsy , pathogenesis , pathology , kidney , nephrology , cytometry , gold standard (test) , precision medicine , bioinformatics , flow cytometry , radiology , biology , immunology
Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for uncovering the pathogenesis of acute and chronic kidney diseases. However, the ability to perform high resolution, quantitative, molecular and cellular interrogation of this precious tissue is still at a developing stage compared to other fields such as oncology. Here, we discuss recent advances in performing large-scale, three-dimensional (3D), multi-fluorescence imaging of kidney biopsies and quantitative analysis referred to as 3D tissue cytometry. This approach allows the accurate measurement of specific cell types and their spatial distribution in a thick section spanning the entire length of the biopsy. By uncovering specific disease signatures, including rare occurrences, and linking them to the biology in situ, this approach will enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, by providing accurate quantitation of cellular events, 3D cytometry may improve the accuracy of prognosticating the clinical course and response to therapy. Therefore, large-scale 3D imaging and cytometry of kidney biopsy is poised to become a bridge towards personalized medicine for patients with kidney disease.