Kidney

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Cell biology

Renal physiology

Biotechnology

Biology

Endocrinology

Renal glucose reabsorption

Biochemistry

Proximal tubule

In vivo

Internal medicine

Medicine

Chemistry

Renal function

Reabsorption

Perfusion

Diabetes mellitus

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Significance Current kidney-on-chip models lack the 3D geometry, complexity, and functionality vital for recapitulating in vivo renal tissue. We report the fabrication and perfusion of 3D vascularized proximal tubules embedded within an engineered ECM that exhibit active reabsorption of solutes via tubular–vascular exchange. Using this model, we quantified albumin and glucose reabsorption over time. We also studied hyperglycemic effects in the absence and presence of a glucose transport inhibitor. Our 3D kidney tissue provides a platform for in vitro studies of kidney function, disease modeling, and pharmacology.

Renal reabsorption in 3D vascularized proximal tubule models