👉 Introduction: Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Cell Lines
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral found in building materials, automotive parts, and other industrial products. Mesothelioma has a dismal prognosis, with only around 10% of patients surviving beyond 5 years after diagnosis.
Research on mesothelioma has been limited, owing to its rarity and complexity. However, the development of mesothelioma cell lines has paved the way for better understanding of the disease and the development of effective treatments. In this article, we explore the mesothelioma cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and their role in mesothelioma research.
👉 What are Mesothelioma Cell Lines?
Mesothelioma cell lines are collections of cells derived from mesothelioma tumor tissues. These cells are cultured in the laboratory under controlled conditions to maintain their characteristics and growth properties. Mesothelioma cell lines provide researchers with a model system to study the biology of mesothelioma and test potential treatments. They are also used to develop diagnostic tools and identify biomarkers for early detection of mesothelioma.
👉 About ATCC
The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing biological materials for research and development purposes. Established in 1925, ATCC has been a leading source of cell lines, bacteria, viruses, and other biological samples for researchers around the world. ATCC has more than 1,000 mesothelioma cell lines in its collection, making it the largest repository of its kind.
👉 Mesothelioma Cell Lines ATCC: Types and Characteristics
The mesothelioma cell lines available from ATCC are classified based on their origin, histology, and genetic profile. Some of the common mesothelioma cell lines available from ATCC include:
| Cell Line Name | Origin | Histology | Genetic Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSTO-211H | Pleural Effusion | Epithelial | Wild-type TP53, NF2, and CDKN2A |
| H2052 | Pleural Biopsy | Epithelial | Mutations in BAP1 and CDKN2A, Deletion in NF2 |
| H28 | Peritoneal Effusion | Epithelial | Wild-type TP53, CDKN2A, and NF2 |
| H2461 | Peritoneal Biopsy | Sarcomatoid | Mutated TP53 and CDKN2A, Deletion in NF2 |
The mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC exhibit a wide range of characteristics that reflect the diversity of mesothelioma tumors. Some of the key features of mesothelioma cell lines include:
- Differentiated or undifferentiated
- Epithelial, sarcomatoid, or biphasic histology
- Normal or abnormal karyotype
- Expression of mesothelioma markers such as calretinin, WT-1, and cytokeratins
👉 How are Mesothelioma Cell Lines Used in Research?
Mesothelioma cell lines are utilized in various research applications, including:
- Investigating the underlying mechanisms of mesothelioma development and progression
- Screening potential drugs and other therapies for their anticancer activity
- Developing patient-derived xenograft models for preclinical testing
- Identifying biomarkers for mesothelioma diagnosis and prognosis
- Studying the effects of environmental factors on mesothelioma development
👉 FAQs about Mesothelioma Cell Lines ATCC
Q1: Are mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC free of asbestos contamination?
A: Yes, mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC are carefully screened to ensure they are free of asbestos contamination. The cells are also tested for mycoplasma and other microbial contaminants to maintain their purity.
Q2: Can mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC be used for commercial purposes?
A: Yes, mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC can be used for commercial purposes, provided that the appropriate licensing and permissions are obtained.
Q3: How can researchers obtain mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC?
A: Researchers can order mesothelioma cell lines from ATCC online or by phone. They will need to provide their institution’s name, shipping address, and payment information.
Q4: What is the recommended method for culturing mesothelioma cell lines?
A: The optimal culture conditions for mesothelioma cell lines may vary depending on the specific cell line. However, most mesothelioma cell lines can be maintained in RPMI or DMEM media supplemented with FBS and antibiotics. The cells should be cultured in a humidified incubator at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere.
Q5: How can researchers ensure the authenticity of mesothelioma cell lines?
A: Researchers can verify the authenticity of mesothelioma cell lines by using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling or other genetic testing methods. ATCC provides authentication services for its cell lines to ensure their quality and integrity.
Q6: Can mesothelioma cell lines be used in personalized medicine?
A: Yes, mesothelioma cell lines can be used to develop personalized treatments for mesothelioma patients. By testing the sensitivity of a patient’s mesothelioma cells to different drugs and therapies, clinicians can tailor their treatment approach to the individual’s unique needs.
Q7: What are some of the challenges associated with using mesothelioma cell lines in research?
A: One of the main challenges is the heterogeneity of mesothelioma tumors, which makes it difficult to identify relevant biomarkers and drug targets. Another challenge is the limited availability of mesothelioma cell lines from diverse patient populations, which can affect the generalizability of research findings.
Q8: What are some of the promising developments in mesothelioma research using cell lines?
A: Recent studies have shown that mesothelioma cell lines can be used to identify novel therapeutic targets for mesothelioma, such as the MET receptor tyrosine kinase. Other studies have demonstrated the potential of mesothelioma cell lines for immunotherapy approaches, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
Q9: Are there any ethical considerations associated with using mesothelioma cell lines in research?
A: The use of mesothelioma cell lines raises ethical questions regarding informed consent, privacy, and ownership of biological materials. Researchers should ensure that they adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain the necessary approvals before conducting research with mesothelioma cell lines.
Q10: What is the role of mesothelioma cell lines in drug discovery for mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma cell lines are valuable tools for drug discovery, as they allow researchers to test the efficacy and safety of potential therapies in a controlled environment. Mesothelioma cell lines can also be used to identify biomarkers that can be targeted by new drugs.
Q11: How are mesothelioma cell lines contributing to the development of immunotherapy for mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma cell lines are being used to study the mechanisms of immune evasion in mesothelioma and identify potential targets for immunotherapy. Mesothelioma cell lines are also used to develop CAR-T cell therapies that can recognize and eliminate mesothelioma cells.
Q12: What are some of the limitations of using mesothelioma cell lines in research?
A: One of the limitations is that mesothelioma cell lines may not fully represent the complexity of the disease in humans. There is also a risk of genetic drift and cross-contamination, which can affect the reliability of research findings.
Q13: How can mesothelioma cell lines be used to improve early detection of mesothelioma?
A: Mesothelioma cell lines can be studied to identify candidate biomarkers for early detection of mesothelioma. By analyzing t
he expression patterns of genes or proteins in mesothelioma cell lines, researchers can identify potential biomarkers that can be further validated using patient samples.
👉 Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Mesothelioma Cell Lines ATCC
Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to study and treat, but the development of mesothelioma cell lines has provided researchers with a powerful tool to overcome some of the obstacles. ATCC has played a critical role in making mesothelioma cell lines widely available to the research community, which has accelerated progress in the field. By leveraging the diverse characteristics of mesothelioma cell lines, researchers can gain new insights into the biology of mesothelioma and develop more effective treatments for this devastating disease.
Take action today by exploring the mesothelioma cell lines available from ATCC and supporting mesothelioma research efforts!
Closing Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers should consult their healthcare providers for individualized diagnosis and treatment options. The author and publisher of this article do not endorse any specific product or treatment mentioned herein.
