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Makowska A, Kontny U, Weiskirchen R. HeLa cells cross-contaminated nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines: Still a common problem. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1885-1886. [PMID: 38664578 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Makowska A, Weiskirchen R. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines: Reliable Alternatives to Primary Nasopharyngeal Cells? Cells 2024; 13:559. [PMID: 38606998 PMCID: PMC11011377 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer that originates from the mucosal lining of the nasopharynx and can invade and spread. Although contemporary chemoradiotherapy effectively manages the disease locally, there are still challenges with locoregional recurrence and distant failure. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of NPC cell movement in order to develop a more effective treatment and to improve patient survival rates. Cancer cell line models are invaluable in studying health and disease and it is not surprising that they play a critical role in NPC research. Consequently, scientists have established around 80 immortalized human NPC lines that are commonly used as in vitro models. However, over the years, it has been observed that many cell lines are misidentified or contaminated by other cells. This cross-contamination leads to the creation of false cell lines that no longer match the original donor. In this commentary, we discuss the impact of misidentified NPC cell lines on the scientific literature. We found 1159 articles from 2000 to 2023 that used NPC cell lines contaminated with HeLa cells. Alarmingly, the number of publications and citations using these contaminated cell lines continued to increase, even after information about the contamination was officially published. These articles were most commonly published in the fields of oncology, pharmacology, and experimental medicine research. These findings highlight the importance of science policy and support the need for journals to require authentication testing before publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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Kim S, Park S, Pak JJ. Multi-Modal Multi-Array Electrochemical and Optical Sensor Suite for a Biological CubeSat Payload. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:265. [PMID: 38203127 PMCID: PMC10781281 DOI: 10.3390/s24010265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
CubeSats have emerged as cost-effective platforms for biological research in low Earth orbit (LEO). However, they have traditionally been limited to optical absorbance sensors for studying microbial growth. This work has made improvements to the sensing capabilities of these small satellites by incorporating electrochemical ion-selective pH and pNa sensors with optical absorbance sensors to enrich biological experimentation and greatly expand the capabilities of these payloads. We have designed, built, and tested a multi-modal multi-array electrochemical-optical sensor module and its ancillary systems, including a fluidic card and an on-board payload computer with custom firmware. Laboratory tests showed that the module could endure high flow rates (1 mL/min) without leakage, and the 27-well, 81-electrode sensor card accurately detected pH (71.0 mV/pH), sodium ion concentration (75.2 mV/pNa), and absorbance (0.067 AU), with the sensors demonstrating precise linear responses (R2 ≈ 0.99) in various test solutions. The successful development and integration of this technology conclude that CubeSat bio-payloads are now poised for more complex and detailed investigations of biological phenomena in space, marking a significant enhancement of small-satellite research capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Jungho Pak
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (S.P.)
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Weiskirchen R. Research reporting guidelines for cell lines: more than just a recommendation. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:421. [PMID: 38213802 PMCID: PMC10777224 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
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Witt BL, Tollefsbol TO. Molecular, Cellular, and Technical Aspects of Breast Cancer Cell Lines as a Foundational Tool in Cancer Research. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2311. [PMID: 38137912 PMCID: PMC10744609 DOI: 10.3390/life13122311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises about 30% of all new female cancers each year and is the most common malignant cancer in women in the United States. Breast cancer cell lines have been harnessed for many years as a foundation for in vitro analytic studies to understand the use of cancer prevention and therapy. There has yet to be a compilation of works to analyze the pitfalls, novel discoveries, and essential techniques for breast cancer cell line studies in a scientific context. In this article, we review the history of breast cancer cell lines and their origins, as well as analyze the molecular pathways that pharmaceutical drugs apply to breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Controversies regarding the origins of certain breast cancer cell lines, the benefits of utilizing Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) versus Cell-Derived Xenograft (CDX), and 2D versus 3D cell culturing techniques will be analyzed. Novel outcomes from epigenetic discovery with dietary compound usage are also discussed. This review is intended to create a foundational tool that will aid investigators when choosing a breast cancer cell line to use in multiple expanding areas such as epigenetic discovery, xenograft experimentation, and cancer prevention, among other areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L. Witt
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 902 14th Street, Birmingham, AL 35228, USA;
| | - Trygve O. Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 902 14th Street, Birmingham, AL 35228, USA;
- Integrative Center for Aging Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- University Wide Microbiome Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 845 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Carrillo-Ávila JA, de la Fuente A, Aguilar-Quesada R, Ligero G, del Río-Ortiz JM, Catalina P. Development and Evaluation of a New qPCR Assay for the Detection of Mycoplasma in Cell Cultures. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6903-6915. [PMID: 37623254 PMCID: PMC10453501 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45080435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cell culture has become an important tool not only in research laboratories, but also in diagnostic and biotechnological development laboratories. Mycoplasma contamination is present in up to 35% of cell cultures used in research and in cell therapies. This fact represents a significant problem since such contamination can cause disastrous effects on eukaryotic cells by altering their cellular parameters, which, in turn, can lead to unreliable experimental results. For this reason, it is mandatory to carry out continuous testing for the presence of Mycoplasma in cell culture and the development of appropriate methodologies for this purpose. An ideal detection methodology should be fast, sensitive, and reliable. In this study, we propose an alternative detection method based on real-time PCR in conjunction with a novel combination of primers and probes that have been improved to increase their efficiency. The new PCR method demonstrates 100% sensitivity and specificity results in the detection of common Mycoplasma species that contaminate cell cultures. Whilst 11 of 45 tested supernatants were positive for Mycoplasma (24.4%) using the new PCR method (corresponding to 5 of the 14 lines tested (35.71%)), only 10 of 45 supernatants showed positive results with the commercial Venor®GeM qEP and Plasmotest® kit. In addition, the new PCR method exhibits a high capacity to detect less-frequent Mycoplasma species, such as those related to the M. mycoides cluster. The use of an alternative Mycoplasma-detection method in cell culture labs can guarantee the detection of Mycoplasma contamination, especially in cases when dubious results are recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Carrillo-Ávila
- Andalusian Public Health System Biobank, Coordinating Node, Av. del Conocimiento, S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.d.l.F.); (R.A.-Q.); (G.L.); (J.M.d.R.-O.); (P.C.)
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Gäberlein K, Schröder SK, Nanda I, Steinlein C, Haaf T, Buhl EM, Sauvant P, Sapin V, Abergel A, Weiskirchen R. Genetic Characterization of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Line PAV-1. Cells 2023; 12:1603. [PMID: 37371073 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat hepatic stellate cell line PAV-1 was established two decades ago and proposed as a cellular model to study aspects of hepatic retinoic acid metabolism. This cell line exhibits a myofibroblast-like phenotype but also has the ability to store retinyl esters and synthesize retinoic acid from its precursor retinol. Importantly, when cultured with palmitic acid alone or in combination with retinol, the cells switch to a deactivated phenotype in which the proliferation and expression of profibrogenic marker genes are suppressed. Despite these interesting characteristics, the cell line has somehow fallen into oblivion. However, based on the fact that working with in vivo models is becoming increasingly complicated, genetically characterized established cell lines that mimic aspects of hepatic stellate cell biology are of fundamental value for biomedical research. To genetically characterize PAV-1 cells, we performed karyotype analysis using conventional chromosome analysis and multicolor spectral karyotyping (SKY), which allowed us to identify numerical and specific chromosomal alteration in PAV-1 cells. In addition, we used a panel of 31 species-specific allelic variant sites to define a unique short tandem repeat (STR) profile for this cell line and performed bulk mRNA-sequencing, showing that PAV-1 cells express an abundance of genes specific for the proposed myofibroblastic phenotype. Finally, we used Rhodamine-Phalloidin staining and electron microscopy analysis, which showed that PAV-1 cells contain a robust intracellular network of filamentous actin and process typical ultrastructural features of hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Gäberlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claus Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva M Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Sauvant
- UMR CNRS 5248, CBMN, University Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Feed & Food Department, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 33175 Gradignan, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Team "Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair", Institute Genetics, Reproduction and Development (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Medecine, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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