Origin
One of the most extensively utilized cell lines is HEK293 cells, which are immortalized cells that originate from human embryonic kidney cells. HEK from HEK293 cells refers to Human Embryonic Kidney, and 293 represents the 293rd experiment performed by Frank Graham, who established the HEK293 cell line. This was not derived from a cancer cell but was immortalized through transfection with sheared adenovirus 5 DNA.
Characteristics
HEK293 has an average diameter of 11-15 μm. It is defined as a hypotriploid, indicating that it has fewer than three times the amount of chromosomes as a haploid.
HEK293 has a variant form, known as HEK293T. HEK293T is derived from the parent cell line HEK293 and hence T refers to the SV40 large T antigen (TAg), which optimizes transfection efficiency. As a result, hek293T is often used to replicate a large number of recombinant proteins or retroviruses.
Some advantages of HEK293 are as follows:
Relatively fast and massive growth (doubling time of 36 hours) - hence efficiently used in massive transfection and recombinant proteins at high concentration.
Low cost maintenance - can grow under serum-free environment and in suspension.
Relatively low expression of ion channels and receptors - making it helpful for studying membrane receptors and ion channels.
A "packaging cell" - HEK293 carries the retroviral vector containing target gene into the retroviral particles for gene replication
Culturing conditions
In 37℃ and 5% CO2 condition in an incubator
Media : high glucose growth media such as DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium) with antibiotic (penicillin) added to prevent contamination.
Usage
Aside from massive transfection and recombinant proteins, HEK293 cells are used in cancer research, protein interactions, drug testing, and other biological applications.
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Cell types | Cell lines, primary cells |
Measuring range | 5x10E4 - 2x10E7 4x10E5 - 1x10E7 (optimal) |
Loading volume | 15 μL |
Staining reagent | Acridine orange / DAPI |
Cell types | Cell lines, primary cells |
Measuring range | 5x10E4 - 2x10E7 4x10E5 - 1x10E7 (optimal) |
Loading volume | 15 μL |
Staining reagent | Acridine orange / DAPI |
21 CFR Part 11 | Compliant |
NanoEntek also provides a live cell imaging system
Objective lens | 4x, 10x, 20x |
Channel type | Brightfield, GFP, RFP, DAPI |
Vessel type | Well plate, flask, dish, slide |
Incubator installation | Available |
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