Abstract: SA-PO018
Advancing Urine-Based Cell Studies: Introducing the Cell Catcher Device
Session Information
- Bioengineering: Modeling, Diagnosis, Therapy
November 04, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Bioengineering
- 400 Bioengineering
Authors
- Nazmutdinova, Katia, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Long, David A., University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Walsh, Stephen B., University College London, London, United Kingdom
Background
Urine-derived cells have gained prominence as a valuable tool for biomedical research and clinical applications due to their non-invasive and repeatable acquisition from patients, in contrast to invasive biopsies. However, the full potential of urine-derived cells remains untapped, due to lack of standardised protocols and reliance on lab-based centrifugation within 4 hours. This study aims to address these limitations by evaluating a novel filtration-based Cell Catcher device, and comparing its efficiency to centrifugation.
Methods
We obtained urine from 18 adults attending a tubulopathy clinic and directly compared the effectiveness of viable cell isolation using either Cell Catcher or centrifugation by using paired analysis.
Results
The results demonstrate that the Cell Catcher device significantly improves the chances of obtaining viable cells, with a 28% increase compared to centrifugation. Furthermore, the device enhances the yield of primary renal cells capable of attachment and proliferation, with a twofold increase compared to conventional methods. The cultured cells showed heterogeneity in terms of cell morphology and expression of renal markers. In all samples, we detected expression of WT1 and ENPEP suggestive of podocyte and proximal tubule cells. Some samples were also positive for NPHS2, but not NPHS1, AQP3, UMOD or UPK3A.
Conclusion
This innovation in urine processing methods has the potential to revolutionize urine-based cell studies and unlock the vast potential of urine as a non-invasive source of patient-specific cells. Further refinements and investigations are warranted to explore the device's compatibility with different cell types and its potential applications in nephrology, regenerative medicine, and urological cancers.
Funding
- Other NIH Support – Encelo Laboratories Limited