Human proximal tubule epithelial cells cultured on hollow fibers: living membranes that actively transport organic cations

Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 16:5:16702. doi: 10.1038/srep16702.

Abstract

The bioartificial kidney (BAK) aims at improving dialysis by developing 'living membranes' for cells-aided removal of uremic metabolites. Here, unique human conditionally immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cell (ciPTEC) monolayers were cultured on biofunctionalized MicroPES (polyethersulfone) hollow fiber membranes (HFM) and functionally tested using microfluidics. Tight monolayer formation was demonstrated by abundant zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein expression along the tight junctions of matured ciPTEC on HFM. A clear barrier function of the monolayer was confirmed by limited diffusion of FITC-inulin. The activity of the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) in ciPTEC was evaluated in real-time using a perfusion system by confocal microscopy using 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP(+)) as a fluorescent substrate. Initial ASP(+) uptake was inhibited by a cationic uremic metabolites mixture and by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine. In conclusion, a 'living membrane' of renal epithelial cells on MicroPES HFM with demonstrated active organic cation transport was successfully established as a first step in BAK engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cimetidine / pharmacology
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Histamine H2 Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ion Transport / drug effects
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / cytology
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Methylamines / chemistry
  • Methylamines / metabolism
  • Organic Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Organic Cation Transporter 2
  • Permeability / drug effects
  • Pyridinium Compounds / chemistry
  • Pyridinium Compounds / metabolism
  • Tight Junctions / metabolism
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-1-methylpyridinium iodide
  • Cations
  • Histamine H2 Antagonists
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Methylamines
  • Organic Cation Transport Proteins
  • Organic Cation Transporter 2
  • Pyridinium Compounds
  • SLC22A2 protein, human
  • TJP1 protein, human
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein
  • Cimetidine