Immortalized Podocyte Progenitor Cell Line (UM51-Pre-Podo-hTERT)

Use of gelatin coating (TM063) is required for cell adhesion to the culture vessel and optimal proliferation. PriGrow X series medium (TM0208) + + 1% Penicillin/Streptomycin Solution (G255), 37.0°C, 5% CO₂. Note: cells display contact inhibition and should be subcultured when 70% confuence to maintain characteristics. For information regarding cell differentiation, please refer to the Differentiation Protocol PDF under the Documents Tab. 

The UM51-Pre-Podo-hTERT cell line was derived from progenitor cells isolated from the urine of a 51-year-old African male and immortalized using hTERT. These cells have been shown to proliferate indefinitely while retaining key podocyte characteristics. UM51-Pre-Podo-hTERT cells express several podocyte-specific markers, such as WT1, NPHS1, and SYNPO which are crucial for understanding the differentiation and functional capacity of podocytes. Despite continuous culture, the UM51-Pre-Podo-hTERT line maintains a stable morphology, proliferation capacity, and expression of critical podocyte markers. It also displays contact inhibition and P53 expression, suggesting maintained normal cellular controls. This cell line has been differentiated into mature podocytes and can enter the G0 phase, thus making it suitable for studying podocyte maturation and function, as well as for modeling diseases where podocyte quiescence and re-entry into the cell cycle play a role. Overall, the UM51-hTERT-Pre-Podo line is an excellent model for research studying nephrogenesis and kidney-associated diseases.