Opossum Kidney Cortex Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells (OK Line)
The OK cell line was derived from the kidney of an adult female North American opossum (Didelphis marsupialis virginiana) and was originally intended for use as a source of X chromosomes for studies of X inactivation. The line was soon discovered, however, to display many characteristics of kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells and has since been commonly utilized as a cell culture model for the cell type. OK cells exhibit a stable nondiploid chromosomal modal number of 23 and display a variety of receptors in culture, including alpha 2 adrenergic, serotonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors. Many studies utilizing OK cells focus upon these receptors, some of which are involved in such notable activities as insulin metabolism and the hormonal regulation of phosphate transport and uptake.