PtK2 Cells

PtK2 cells are an epithelial cell line derived from the kidney of a male long-nosed potoroo, Potorous tridactylis, a marsupial species. These cells are well-known for their large size and the small number of chromosomes (2n = 12), making them particularly useful in cytogenetic studies. Due to their easily visualized chromosomes, PtK2 cells serve as an excellent model for studying mitosis, chromosome movement, and the structural aspects of cell division. Additionally, they maintain a flat morphology throughout the cell cycle, including during mitosis, which aids in the observation of cellular processes under microscopy. PtK2 cells exhibit specific virus susceptibility patterns, being resistant to adenovirus 5, coxsackievirus B5, and poliovirus 2, while being susceptible to coxsackievirus A9, herpes simplex, vaccinia, and vesicular stomatitis viruses. Furthermore, these cells possess intermediate filaments composed of keratin, which contribute to their structural integrity. In biomedical research, PtK2 cells are often utilized in the study of cell division, virus-host interactions, and cytoskeletal organization.