Urothelial cells, the cells lining the surface of the urinary bladder, are comprised of a unique cell type with high plasticity and a variety of cell functions. They are the first line of bladder defense and serve as an interface between pathogens. Urothelial cells are equipped with several defense mechanisms to prevent adherence of pathogens and maintain impermeability to urinary solutes. Urothelial cells express both estrogen receptor-alpha and beta, epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor. These receptors play a major role in urothelial cell response to injury and infection. The urothelial cells also release a number of cytokines and other immune system mediators. The ability to culture normal urothelial cells in vitro make it possible to further investigate the immunoregulatory potential of urothelial cells. HUC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from the human bladder. HUC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HUC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to cytokeratin-18 and/or cytokeratin-19. HUC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HUC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Urothelial Cell Medium (UCM, Cat. #4321) for the culturing of HUC in vitro.