Differentiated HASTR/ci35 cells: A promising in vitro human astrocyte model for facilitating CNS drug development studies

Astrocytes have shown longstanding promise as therapeutic targets for various central nervous system diseases. To facilitate drug development targeting astrocytes, we have recently developed a new conditionally immortalized human astrocyte cell line, termed HASTR/ci35 cells. In this study, in order to further increase their chances to contribute to various astrocyte studies, we report on the development of a culture method that improves HASTR/ci35 cell differentiation status and provide several proofs related to their astrocyte characteristics. The culture method is based on the simultaneous elimination of serum effects and immortalization signals. The results of qPCR showed that the culture method significantly enhanced several astrocyte marker gene expression levels. Using the differentiated HASTR/ci35, we examined their response profiles to nucleotide treatment and inflammatory stimuli, along with their membrane fatty acid composition. Consequently, we found that they responded to ADP or UTP treatment with a transient increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and that they could show reactive response to interleukin-1β treatments. Furthermore, the membrane phospholipids of the cells were enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids. To summarize, as a unique human astrocyte model carrying the capability of a differentiation induction properties, HASTR/ci35 cells are expected to contribute substantially to astrocyte-oriented drug development studies. Keywords: Astrocytes, Drug development, Immortalized cells, In vitro model, Central nervous system