Mxi1 influences cyst formation in three-dimensional cell culture

Cyst formation is a major characteristic of ADPKD and iscaused by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells. Renalcyst formation disrupts renal function and induces diversecomplications. The mechanism of cyst formation is unclear.mIMCD-3 cells were established to develop simple epithelialcell cysts in 3-D culture. We confirmed previously that Mxi1plays a role in cyst formation in Mxi1-deficient mice. Cysts inMxi1 transfectanted cells were showed by collagen or mebiolgels in 3-D cell culture system. Causative genes of ADPKDwere measured by q RT-PCR. Herein, Mxi1 transfectants rarelyformed a simple epithelial cyst and induced cell death.Overexpression of Mxi1 resulted in a decrease in the PKD1,PKD2 and c-myc mRNA relating to the pathway of cystformation. These data indicate that Mxi1 influences cystformation of mIMCD-3 cells in 3-D culture and that Mxi1 maycontrol the mechanism of renal cyst formation. [BMB reports2012; 45(3): 189-193]