Development of an AT2-deficient proximal tubule cell line for transport studies.

Angiotensin II is a major regulatory peptide for proximal tubule Na(+) reabsorption acting through two distinct receptor subtypes: AT(1) and AT(2). Physiological or pathological roles of AT(2) have been difficult to unravel because angiotensin II can affect Na(+) transport either directly via AT(2) on luminal or peritubular plasma membranes of proximal tubule cells or indirectly via the renal vasculature. Furthermore, separate systemic and intratubular renin-angiotensin systems impart considerable complexity to angiotensin's regulation. A transport-competent, proximal tubule cell model that lacks AT(2) is a potentially useful tool to assess cellular angiotensin II regulation. To this end, AT(2)-receptor-deficient mice were bred with an Immortomouse, which harbors the thermolabile immortalization gene SV40 large-T antigen (Tag), and AT(2)-receptor-deficient [AT(2) (-/-)], Tag heterozygous [Tag (+/-)] F(2) offspring were selected for cell line generation. S1 proximal tubule segments were microdissected, and epithelial cell outgrowth was expanded in culture. Cells that formed confluent, electrically resistive monolayers were selected for cryopreservation, and one isolate was extensively characterized for conductance (2 mS/cm(2)), short-circuit current (Isc; 0.2 microA/cm(2)), and proximal tubule-specific Na3(+) - succinate (DeltaIsc = 0.8 microA/cm(2) at 2 mM succinate) and Na3(+) - phosphate cotransport (DeltaIsc = 3 microA/cm(2) at 1 mM phosphate). Light microscopy showed a uniform, cobblestone-shaped monolayer with prominent cilia and brush borders. AT(2) receptor functionality, as demonstrated by angiotensin II inhibition of ANF-stimulated cGMP synthesis, was absent in AT(2)-deficient cells but prominent in wild-type cells. This transport competent cell line in conjunction with corresponding wild type and AT(1)-deficient lines should help explain angiotensin II signaling relevant to Na(+) transport.

Strategy for the development of a matched set of transport-competent, angiotensin receptor-deficient proximal tubule cell lines.

In the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) angiotensin II (Ang II) modulates fluid and electrolyte transport through at least two pharmacologically distinct receptor subtypes: AT(1) and AT(2). Development of cell lines that lack these receptors are potentially useful models to probe the complex cellular details of Ang II regulation. To this end, angiotensin receptor- deficient mice were bred with an Immortomouse(R), which harbors a thermolabile SV40 large-T antigen (Tag). S1 PCT segments from kidneys of F(2) mice were microdissected, placed in culture, and maintained under conditions that enhanced cell growth, i.e., promoted Tag expression and thermostability. Three different types of angiotensin receptor-deficient cell lines, (AT(1A) [-/-], Tag [+/-]), (AT(1B) [-/-], Tag [+/-]), and (AT(1A) [-/-], AT(1B) [-/-], Tag [+/+]), as well as wild type cell lines were generated. Screening and characterization, which were conducted under culture conditions that promoted cellular differentiation, included: measurements of transepithelial transport, such as basal monolayer short-circuit current (Isc; -3 to 3 microA/cm2), basal monolayer conductance (G, 2 to 10 mS/cm2), Na3(+)-phosphate cotransport (DeltaIsc of 2 to 3 microA/cm(2) at 1 mM), and Na(3)(+)-succinate cotransport (DeltaIsc of 1 to 9 microA/cm(2) at 2 mM). Morphology of cell monolayers showed an extensive brush border, well-defined tight junctions, and primary cilia. Receptor functionality was assessed by Ang II-stimulated beta-arrestin 2 translocation and showed an Ang II-mediated response in wild type but not (AT(1A) [-/ -], AT(1B) [-/-]) cells. Cell lines were amplified, yielding a virtually unlimited supply of highly differentiated, transport-competent, angiotensin receptor-deficient PCT cell lines.

Growth, immortalization, and differentiation potential of normal adult human proximal tubule cells.

Human proximal tubule epithelial cell lines are potentially useful models to elucidate the complex cellular and molecular details of water and electrolyte homeostasis in the kidney. Samples of normal adult human kidney tissue were obtained from surgical specimens, and S1 segments of proximal convoluted tubules were microdissected, placed on collagen-coated culture plate inserts, and cocultured with lethally irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts. Primary cultures of proximal tubule epithelial cells were infected with a replication-defective retroviral construct encoding either wild-type or temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen. Cells forming electrically resistive monolayers were selected and expanded in culture. Three cell lines (HPCT-03-ts, HPCT-05-wt, and HPCT-06-wt) were characterized for proximal tubule phenotype by electron microscopy, electrophysiology, immunofluorescence, Southern hybridization, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Each of the three formed polarized, resistive epithelial monolayers with apical microvilli, tight junctional complexes, numerous mitochondria, well-developed Golgi complexes, extensive endoplasmic reticulum, convolutions of the basolateral plasma membrane, and a primary cilium. Each exhibited succinate, phosphate, and Na,K- adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) transport activity, as well as acidic dipeptide- and adenosine triphosphate-regulated mechanisms of ion transport. Transcripts for Na(+)-bicarbonate cotransporter, Na(+)-H(+) exchanger isoform 3, Na,K-ATPase, parathyroid hormone receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and vasopressin V2 receptor were identified. Furthermore, immunoreactive sodium phosphate cotransporter type II, vasopressin receptor V1a, and CLIC-1 (NCC27) were also identified. These well-differentiated, transport-competent cell lines demonstrated the growth, immortalization, and differentiation potential of normal, adult, human proximal tubule cells and consequently have wide applicability in cell biology and renal physiology.