Differentiation and Subculturing of Renal Proximal Tubular‐like Cells Derived from Human iPSC

Abstract

Recently, we have developed a protocol to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into proximal tubular‐like cells (PTL) (Chandrasekaran et al., 2021). These cells express proximal tubular‐specific markers, including megalin, and form a polarized monolayer expressing tight junction proteins, including ZO‐3 and occludin. Furthermore, PTL display functional properties, including megalin‐facilitated endocytosis, P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) efflux, and respond to parathyroid hormone. Here, we report step‐by‐step protocols to culture iPSC prior to differentiation (Basic Protocol 1), to differentiate PTL from iPSC (Basic Protocol 2), and to passage and freeze‐thaw PTL (Basic Protocol 3). Additionally, we provide a protocol (Basic Protocol 4) to culture PTL on microporous growth supports (transwells). Immunofluorescence stainings for characteristic markers, including megalin, are shown for unpassaged (Basic Protocol 2) and passaged (Basic Protocol 3) PTL. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: iPSC culture

Basic Protocol 2: iPSC‐derived PTL differentiation

Basic Protocol 3: PTL passaging, culturing, and freezing

Basic Protocol 4: PTL culturing on transwells

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of Geltrex‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of RPTEC/TERT1 or fHDF/TERT166‐ECM‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of human collagen IV‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 4: Immunofluorescence staining