Urothelial cell

Urothelial cells are specialized epithelial cells that comprise the urothelium, a stratified tissue lining the renal pelvis, ureters, urinary bladder, and proximal urethra[1][2][4][7]. The urothelium consists of three cell layers: basal cells (stem/progenitor function), intermediate cells (proliferative/regenerative), and umbrella cells (apical barrier, protection)[4][6][7]. These cells play essential roles in maintaining a highly impermeable barrier to protect underlying tissues from exposure to toxic urine components, accommodate and regulate the bladder's response to volume changes, and activate immune defense mechanisms against pathogens[2][3][4][7]. Urothelial cells are implicated in urinary tract cancers and infections, and serve as critical biomarkers for evaluating urinary tract integrity and disease status[5][7]. The term "Urothelial cells" denotes a cell lineage and is not a molecular drug target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter[1][5][7].

Other names

Transitional cellumbrella cell (for the superficial subtype)facet celluroepithelial cell