Filter-grown TR146 cells as an in vitro model of human buccal epithelial permeability

Use of a cell culture model of a specific epithelium requires documentation of its differentiation. This study reports permeability of mannitol concurrent with a profile of differentiation markers of filter-grown TR146 cells, a cell line originating from a human buccal carcinoma, cultivated submerged or at the air-liquid interface for 23 to 31 d. A multilayered squamous epithelial-like tissue was found. The maximal permeability barrier and the most distinct stratification were obtained at day 23, when cultured submerged (apparent permeability coefficient 4.08+/-0.15 (x 10(-6)) cm/s; transepithelial electrical resistance 102+/-5 Ohm x cm(2)). The profile of differentiation markers demonstrated similarities to normal human buccal epithelium by expression of K3, K10, K13, K16, and K19 keratins, plasma membrane-associated transglutaminase, involucrin, and epidermal growth factor receptor. Uniform expression of K5, K8 and K18 was consistent with the carcinogenic origin of TR146 cells. Identical profiles of differentiation markers were obtained irrespective of method or time of culture. Karyotyping proved the human origin of TR146 cells. Three different passages had near triploid (3n+-) chromosome compliments and consistent occurrence of four marker chromosomes [mar4, mar5, mar9, and add(5)(p)], while differences between them defined them as subclones. The results indicate that a submerged filter-grown TR146 cell culture at day 23 of culture has the potential to model the human buccal epithelial barrier for permeation of drugs.