Changes in Gene Expression During IMCD3 Cell Differentiation

One hallmark characteristic of cancer cells is that they become de‐differentiated. The goal of this study is to identify genes involved in the differentiation of kidney cells. To that end, a microarray that compared gene expression in undifferentiated and differentiated inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD3) cells was performed. Characterization of identified genes may allow for a better understanding of the differentiation and de‐differentiation processes. To achieve this goal, we determined appropriate growth conditions for undifferentiated and differentiated IMCD3 cells. Cells were plated into 6 well plates at 1.3 × 10 5 cells per ml. Duplicate wells were lysed each day for 9 days. RNA was collected, converted to cDNA, and QPCR was performed for Glyceraldehyde 3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and Epithelial sodium channel (ENaCα). GAPDH expression did not change over time. IMCD3 cells were determined to be differentiated when QPCR results correlated with expected increase in expression of ENaCα. The RNA that was collected from undifferentiated samples (day 4) and differentiated samples (day 7) were used in a microarray experiment. Analysis of the results is currently underway. The genes that differ in expression will be further characterized for their role in cell differentiation or their role in cancer cell de‐differentiation. Source of support: Jeffress Memorial Trust Fund