ImWilms10T Cells

The imWilms10T cell line is an immortalized variant of the Wilms10T primary tumor cell line, which was derived from a Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) sample in a pediatric patient. This cell line is distinguished by a homozygous deletion of the WT1 gene, resulting in a complete loss of WT1 protein function. WT1 is a crucial gene for kidney development, and its deletion in imWilms10T reflects a severe genetic disruption that is associated with the pathogenesis of Wilms tumor. In addition to the WT1 deletion, imWilms10T cells exhibit loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the 11p15 chromosomal region, which includes key genes such as IGF2, contributing to the tumor’s aggressive behavior.

To overcome the limited lifespan of the Wilms10T cells, the imWilms10T cell line was established by introducing a triple mutant SV40 large T antigen (U19dl89-97tsA58) into the original tumor cells. This immortalization process enables imWilms10T cells to proliferate indefinitely while maintaining chromosomal stability, thereby providing a reliable model for long-term studies. The imWilms10T cells retain the critical characteristics of the parental Wilms10T line, including the complete loss of WT1 and the presence of LOH at 11p15, making them an invaluable resource for studying the molecular consequences of WT1 deletion and the associated tumorigenic processes.

imWilms10T cells have been extensively studied for their involvement in key signaling pathways that drive tumor progression. Proteomic analyses have revealed that these cells exhibit phosphorylation and activation of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as IGF1R, PDGFRβ, and AXL. These activated receptors signal through downstream pathways, including the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which are crucial for maintaining the malignant phenotype of the cells. The imWilms10T cell line serves as an important tool for investigating the impact of complete WT1 loss on cellular signaling, tumor growth, and potential therapeutic targets in Wilms tumor, particularly for more aggressive tumor subtypes.