Table with strengths/weaknesses of different models for areas of the nephron
| Nephron Part | Cell Origin | Applications | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proximal tubule | Primary PTECs | Drug transport and nephrotoxicity | TEER similar to native tissue, metabolic enzymes, and drug transporters preserved | Short-term cultures (up to 2 weeks max), limited access to primary material |
| iPSCs | Drug transport and nephrotoxicity | Can be expanded, compatible with long-term culture | Immature expression of uptake transporters | |
| Immortalized PTECs | Drug transport and nephrotoxicity | Can be expanded (30 passages), compatible with long-term culture | Immature expression of uptake transporters | |
| Glomerulus | Primary podoctyes | Studies of podocytopathies | Express slit diaphragm proteins, patient-derived podocyte cultures are possible | Limited access to primary material |
| iPSCs | Study of podocytopathies | Long-term cultures, generation of isogenic lines | Loss of foot processes and slit diaphragms in most of models | |
| Distal tubule and collecting duct | iPSCs | Drug testing, disease model | Expression of AQP2, response to toxins | Most models show incomplete maturation of distal tubule and collecting duct |