Transcriptomes of Major Proximal-Tubule Cell-Culture Models

Purpose:Cultured cell lines are widely used for research in the physiology, pathophysiology, toxicology and pharmacology of the renal proximal tubule. The lines that are most appropriate for a given use depend on the genes expressed.We have used modern RNA-sequencing techniques to identify the gene expression profile of 14 different cell lines plus primary cultures of mouse proximal tubule and compare them to transcriptomes of native kidney proximal tubules. Methods: 14 different proximal tubule cell lines were grown on permeable supports under conditions specific for the respective lines. RNA-Seq followed standard procedures. Results and conclusion: Transcripts expressed in cell lines showed variable match to transcripts selectively expressed in native proximal tubule. Opossum kidney (OK) cells displayed the highest percentage match (45%) with pig kidney cells (LLC-PK1) close behind (39%). Much lower percentage matches were seen for various human lines including HK-2 cells (26%) and lines from rodent kidneys (18-23%).An online resource (https://esbl.nhlbi.nih.gov/JBrowse/KCT/) has been created for interrogation of the data.No cell line closely matched the transcriptome of native proximal tubule cells. However, some of the lines tested are suitable for the study of particular metabolic and transport processes seen in the proximal tubule. Overall design: We provide a web-based resource that allows users to compare expression of specific transcripts across all cell lines and to download data for deeper analysis.