Origin and Development of HEK293 Cells
In 1973, Dutch scientist Alex van der Eb and his team successfully isolated cells from the kidney of a human embryo and subsequently transformed them using sheared adenovirus 5 DNA. This transformation led to the creation of the HEK293 cell line, named as such because it was derived from van der Eb's 293rd experiment. The precise origin of the embryonic cells remains a topic of discussion, with some studies suggesting characteristics resembling neuronal lineage cells. ATCC+2Wikipedia+2Thermo Fisher Scientific - US+2
Characteristics and Advantages of HEK293 Cells
HEK293 cells exhibit several features that make them particularly valuable in research and industry:Liebert Publishing+11Nature+11Evitria+11
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High Transfectability: These cells are highly amenable to transfection, allowing for the efficient introduction of foreign DNA. This property facilitates the study of gene function and protein expression. Wikipedia
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Rapid Growth: HEK293 cells proliferate quickly, enabling the swift generation of experimental data and the production of recombinant proteins. ScienceDirect+9Beckman+9PMC+9
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Adaptability to Culture Conditions: They can be cultured in both adherent and suspension conditions, and are capable of growing in serum-free media, which is advantageous for large-scale protein production. PMC
Applications in Research and Biotechnology
The versatility of HEK293 cells has led to their widespread use in various domains:
Protein Expression and Recombinant Protein Production
HEK293 cells are commonly used to produce therapeutic proteins and viruses. Their human origin ensures proper protein folding and post-translational modifications, making them ideal for producing biologically active proteins. Wikipedia+2Oxford Instruments+2Beckman+2
Gene Therapy and Viral Vector Production
Due to their ability to produce high titers of viral particles, HEK293 cells are employed in generating viral vectors for gene therapy, including adenoviral and lentiviral vectors. This capability is crucial for delivering therapeutic genes to target cells in various genetic disorders.MilliporeSigma+10Cytion+10Liebert Publishing+10
Drug Screening and Toxicology
In the pharmaceutical industry, HEK293 cells serve as a platform for high-throughput screening assays to evaluate drug efficacy and toxicity. Their consistent growth and reproducible responses make them suitable for assessing the pharmacological effects of new compounds.Cytion
Receptor Signaling Studies
Researchers utilize HEK293 cells to study G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, which are commonly involved in diseases. This research aids in understanding receptor functions and developing targeted therapies.BioSpace
Variants and Derivatives of HEK293 Cells
Several derivatives of the original HEK293 cell line have been developed to enhance specific applications:
HEK293T
This variant was created by transfecting HEK293 cells with a plasmid encoding the SV40 large T antigen, allowing for episomal replication of transfected plasmids containing the SV40 origin of replication. This modification enables high-level protein expression and is particularly useful in producing retroviral vectors. Wikipedia+1Oxford Instruments+1
HEK293-ENT1KO
A more recent derivative, HEK293-ENT1KO, lacks the equilibrative nucleoside transporter ENT1 due to CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout. This cell line is valuable for studying the role of ENT1 in nucleoside transport and related cellular processes. Wikipedia
Ethical Considerations
The use of HEK293 cells raises ethical questions due to their origin from human embryonic tissue. While the cells have been instrumental in scientific advancements, their derivation from a human embryo necessitates careful ethical considerations. Researchers and institutions often adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure responsible use of such cell lines.
Conclusion
HEK293 cells have undeniably played a pivotal role in advancing biomedical research and biotechnology. Their unique characteristics, including high transfectability, rapid growth, and adaptability, have made them indispensable tools in various applications, from protein production to gene therapy. As science progresses, HEK293 cells will likely continue to be at the forefront of research and therapeutic development, contributing to our understanding of cellular mechanisms and the treatment of diseases.
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