Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:06
Isolation of Primary Human Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells and Their Use in Creating a Microphysiological Model of the Renal Proximal Tubule
Published on: May 9, 2025
Cell models for studying renal physiology.
1INSERM U773, Centre de Recherche Biomédicale Bichat Beaujon, 75870 Cedex 18, Paris, France.
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|April 23, 2008
Summary
Cultured renal tubule cell lines, developed over 20 years, offer powerful in vitro models for studying kidney tubule functions. These immortalized cell lines, often using simian virus 40 large T antigen (Tag), are crucial for analyzing ion transport and cell-specific biochemical processes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Development of cultured renal tubule cell lines over 20 years.
- Cell lines provide powerful in vitro systems for analyses.
- Immortalized cell lines utilize hybrid gene constructs, often simian virus 40 large T antigen (Tag).
Purpose of the Study:
- Summarize cellular immortalization strategies.
- Review commonly used human, rabbit, rat, and mouse tubule cell lines.
- Overview use of immortalized mouse tubule cell lines for in vitro analyses.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of immortalized cell lines using hybrid gene constructs (e.g., Tag).
- Development of transgenic mice for cell line derivation.
- Microdissection or immunoselection of renal proximal, distal, and collecting duct tubules.
Main Results:
- Variety of cultured renal tubule cell lines available from different segments.
- Established permanent cell lines from microdissected or immunoselected tubules.
- Utilized Tag gene for cellular immortalization.
Conclusions:
- Cultured renal tubule cell lines are invaluable for in vitro analysis of tubule segment-specific functions.
- Immortalized cell lines facilitate study of ion transporters and membranous channels.
- Primary cultures from transgenic mouse models offer advantages for studying physiopathology.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:24Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
01:10Nephrons
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
01:29Physiology of the Genitourinary System I: Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for regulating blood filtration, waste excretion, and fluid balance, all of which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Renal physiology examines renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and urine formation, ensuring the body’s internal environment remains stable.Renal Blood FlowThe kidneys receive about 20-25% of the cardiac output, typically around 1200 mL of blood per minute in an average adult. Blood flows into the kidneys through the renal...