Urethral Epithelial Cells (UrEC)

Urethral Epithelial Cells (or Urothelium) is an example of "transitional epithelium". It is the type of epithelium that lines much of the urinary tract including the renal pelvis, the ureters, the bladder, and parts of the urethra.Urothelial tissue is highly specific to the urinary tract, and has high elasticity and trans-epithelial electrical resistance.

Urothelial Cells consists of approximately 3-5 cell layers, accompanied by a thick layer of protective glycoprotein plaques at its luminal (apical) surface, and is classified as transitional epithelium. Urothelial Cells express estrogen receptor alpha and beta, epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor. These receptors play an important role in the response of epithelial cells to injury and infection.