Protocol for isolating murine kidney tubules and ex vivo cell death assays

Isolating kidney tubules offers insights into their biological function without stroma, vascular cells, and immune system interference. Our murine tubule isolation protocol focuses on ex vivo cell death assays. We describe steps for solution preparation; kidney extraction, decapsulation, and slicing; and tubule isolation. We also outline assays like western blotting, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and live-cell imaging of vital dyes during experimental acute tubular necrosis. This adaptable protocol allows the generation of outgrown primary tubular cells that maintain the features of tubular cells.