COS-1

COS-1

File:COS-1 cells.jpg

COS-1 cells under a microscope

COS-1 is a cell line used extensively in biological and medical research. Derived from the kidney of the African green monkey, COS-1 cells are often used as a host for the replication of recombinant DNA molecules and the production of proteins.

History

COS-1 cells were first isolated in the 1960s by scientists at the Salk Institute. The name "COS" is an acronym for "CV-1 (simian) in Origin with SV40 genes," reflecting the cells' origin and the presence of SV40 genes, which were introduced to make the cells immortal.

Characteristics

COS-1 cells are large, flat, and fibroblast-like in appearance. They grow adherently in culture and are capable of reaching high cell densities. The cells are also highly transfectable, making them ideal for use in gene expression studies.

COS-1 cells contain the SV40 T-antigen, which allows for the replication of plasmids containing the SV40 origin of replication. This makes them particularly useful for producing large amounts of recombinant proteins.

Applications

COS-1 cells are used in a wide range of research applications. They are commonly used in gene expression studies, where they can be transfected with plasmids containing a gene of interest. The cells then produce the protein encoded by the gene, which can be harvested and studied.

COS-1 cells are also used in drug discovery and development. They can be used to test the effects of potential drugs on cell growth and survival, and to study the mechanisms of drug action.

See also

• Cell culture
• Gene expression
• Simian virus 40
• Transfection