End-stage renal disease has aggravated the burden of the world′s medical resources. There is an urgent need for effective strategies to make use of the kidney regeneration for prevention of further kidney damage and recovery of kidney function. In addition to preventing kidney injury, regenerating damaged renal tissue is as important as retarding the progression of chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal disease. Recent progress in regenerative nephrology included the directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells to kidney fates, the increased proliferative capacity of tubules after injury, roles of endothelial progenitor cells and renal progenitor cells in repair of kidney damage, use of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of kidney diseases, and tissue engineering approaches to renal replacement. However, there are still some disputes, such as the existence of adult epithelium stem cells, exploration of and research on the best treatment strategies for kidney injury, and the best ways to use mesenchymal stem cells for prevention of kidney damage. This review summarizes the most recent advances in researches on use of stem cells and regenerative approaches in treatment of kidney injury.