Ready-to-use 3D Human Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Spheroids

The kidney proximal tubule is a primary site of nephrotoxicity due to its frequent exposure to drugs and toxic compounds [1]. Recent studies have also shown that human renal tubule cells could be the potential host cells targeted by respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 [2]. Current pre-clinical models using 2D monolayer cultures and animal models are unable to fully recapitulate clinical drug response due to limited in vitro lifespan, or species-specific variations. Hence, 3D models of the human proximal tubular epithelial cells have been developed and are proven to maintain the differentiation hallmarks [3]. To serve as a relevant in vitro model and overcome the challenges of building 3D spheroids, ScienCell has developed ready-to-use 3D renal proximal tubular epithelial spheroids (SP-HRPTEpiS). ScienCell’s 3D spheroids display the differentiated epithelial cell marker CK18. Notably, SP3D-HRPTEpiS also have high ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) expression, a receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, our RT-PCR analysis indicate elevated mRNA expression of the renal proximal transport molecule aquaporin-1 AQP1, the organic anion transporters OAT 1/3, the organic cation transporter OCT 2, the multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins MATE 1/2, and P-glycoprotein P-gp in 3D spheroids, compared to 2D monolayer. SP3D-HRPTEpiS, therefore, provide a physiological in vitro model to study kidney functions, and immune response of kidney cells to viruses.