Deciphering the Reversible Adaptation of PK15 Cells to Serum-Free Suspension Culture: A Stepwise Strategy and Molecular Insights
27 September 2026 · Viral Infectious Diseases and Gene Expression in Insects · Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact · Reproductive Biology and Fertility
Porcine PK15 kidney epithelial cells adapted better through staged serum reduction than direct reduction, offering a possible route to scalable seed cell growth for cultivated meat. Researchers compared both methods, moved low-serum adherent cells into serum-free suspension, returned them to adherent culture, and analysed gene expression. Sequential adaptation preserved proliferation, cell-cycle progression and epithelial traits, while suspension cells shifted towards more efficient energy use. Re-adherence partly restored morphology, growth features and oxidative-stress measures. Reversible genes centred on adhesion and metabolism, making staged adaptation the stronger method tested.