HEK 293 cells have been widely used in cell biology research for many years, because of their reliable growth and propensity for transfection. They are also used by the biotechnology industry to produce therapeutic proteins and viruses for gene therapy as well as safety testing for a vast array of chemicals.
Where do HEK 293 cells come from?
Originating from a female fetus, HEK293 cells are today among the most used mammalian cell lines for a wide range of applications because of their ease of transfection as well as culture. Despite stemming from kidney tissue, HEK293 cells time and time again exhibited properties of immature neurons.11 Nov 2020
Why are human embryonic kidney cells used?
Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 is a cell line commonly used for BioPharma and Basic Medical research and therapeutic solutions. The adenovirus genes expressed in this line allow cells to produce consistently high levels of recombinant proteins. HEK-293 cells are also unusual, in that they are hypotriploid.
Why are HEK293 cells used for transfection?
Firstly, they are very easy to grow and to maintain, with high reproducibility, which makes them preferable over other less-robust and slow-growing cell lines. Furthermore, they are very efficient at protein production and accessible for transfection.8 Jan 2019
How are HEK 293 cells obtained?
HEK 293 cells were generated in 1973 by transfection of cultures of normal human embryonic kidney cells with sheared adenovirus 5 DNA in Alex van der Eb's laboratory in Leiden, the Netherlands. The cells were obtained from a single, aborted or miscarried fetus, the precise origin of which is unclear.
What host species is the origin of HEK 293 cells?
Human embryonic kidney 293 cells, also often referred to as HEK 293, HEK-293, 293 cells, or less precisely as HEK cells, are a specific immortalised cell line derived from a spontaneously miscarried or aborted fetus or human embryonic kidney cells grown in tissue culture taken from a female fetus in 1973.
Where are HEK 293 cells used?
The human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell line and its derivatives are used in experiments ranging from signal transduction and protein interaction studies over viral packaging to rapid small-scale protein expression and biopharmaceutical production.3 Sept 2014
What is human embryonic kidney HEK293?
Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 is a cell line commonly used for BioPharma and Basic Medical research and therapeutic solutions. Generated in 1973, they are derived from human embryonic kidney cells and are popular, in part because of their reliable growth in culture and for their propensity for transfection.
Are there other immortal cells besides HeLa?
There are various immortal cell lines. Some of them are normal cell lines (e.g. derived from stem cells). Other immortalised cell lines are the in vitro equivalent of cancerous cells. The origins of some immortal cell lines, for example HeLa human cells, are from naturally occurring cancers.
Can HEK 293 cells cause cancer?
Among them, only the immortalized human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) was prone to malignant transformation following exposure to cancer patient serum. These cells are generated by culture with Adenovirus 5 DNA that results in the insertion of approximately 4.5 kb into chromosome 19 [22].30 Sept 2014
How are cells immortalized?
Immortalized Cell lines are cells that have been modified in a manner such that they can be cultured indefinitely [6]. This is achieved by either isolating and culturing tumors cells and culturing them, or by introduction of an immortalizing gene.
Why are HeLa cells immortal?
3- HeLa cells are immortal, meaning they will divide again and again and again… This performance can be explained by the expression of an overactive telomerase that rebuilds telomeres after each division, preventing cellular aging and cellular senescence, and allowing perpetual divisions of the cells.28 Nov 2017