Hep G2

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hep G2[edit | edit source]

Hep G2 is a well-established human liver cancer cell line that is widely used in scientific research. It was derived from the liver tissue of a 15-year-old Caucasian male with a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. This cell line is utilized extensively in the study of liver function, cancer biology, and drug metabolism.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Hep G2 cells exhibit many of the differentiated functions of normal liver cells, making them a valuable model for studying liver physiology and pathology. They are epithelial in morphology and grow as adherent monolayers in culture. Hep G2 cells are known for their ability to produce a variety of plasma proteins, including albumin, transferrin, and fibrinogen, which are characteristic of hepatocytes.

Genetic Profile[edit | edit source]

Hep G2 cells have a near-diploid karyotype with several chromosomal abnormalities. They retain many of the liver-specific functions, such as the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are crucial for drug metabolism studies. The genetic stability and expression profile of Hep G2 cells make them a preferred choice for in vitro experiments.

Applications in Research[edit | edit source]

Hep G2 cells are used in a wide range of research applications, including:

  • Drug Metabolism and Toxicology: Due to their expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, Hep G2 cells are used to study the metabolism of pharmaceuticals and the hepatotoxicity of various compounds.
  • Cancer Research: As a model of hepatocellular carcinoma, Hep G2 cells are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of liver cancer and to test potential anti-cancer drugs.
  • Liver Function Studies: Researchers use Hep G2 cells to study liver-specific functions, such as protein synthesis and secretion, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism.

Culturing Hep G2 Cells[edit | edit source]

Hep G2 cells are cultured in a suitable growth medium, typically supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), under standard cell culture conditions (37°C, 5% CO2). They require regular passaging to maintain optimal growth and viability. The cells should be handled under sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While Hep G2 cells are a valuable tool in research, they have limitations. They do not fully replicate the complexity of in vivo liver tissue, and their metabolic activity may differ from primary hepatocytes. Researchers must consider these limitations when interpreting experimental results.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Cell line research



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD