Stefano Da Sacco

Dr. Stefano Da Sacco is an Assistant Professor of Research Urology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and an investigator at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. His work focuses on kidney regenerative medicine, particularly the biology of the glomerulus and bioengineered solutions for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

• PhD: University of Padua and University of Southern California
• Postdoctoral Training: Stem cell biology and pediatric urology

Research interests include:

• Glomerular filtration barrier modeling
• Pediatric kidney cancer (Wilms tumor) stem cells
• Organ-on-chip technology
• Mitochondrial transplantation therapy
• Extracellular vesicles for tissue repair

His glomerulus-on-a-chip platform has advanced understanding of podocyte injury and drug responses. Key publications span 2024–2016, with recurring themes of regenerative strategies, stem cell applications, and CKD mechanisms.

Scientific Awards & Funding:

• NIH (RO1 grants)
• ASF (American Society of Nephrology)
• CIRM (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine)
• PNRC (Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium)
• Industry collaborations

Dr. Da Sacco collaborates globally and serves as a reviewer for NIH study sections and the Italian Ministry of Health. He is a member of the American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Glomerular Diseases, and ISSNAF.