K-562

K-562 is a human cell line that is commonly used in scientific research. This cell line was originally derived from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a type of cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. K-562 cells are unique in that they are "immortal," meaning they can divide indefinitely in the laboratory. This makes them a valuable tool for studying various aspects of cell biology and disease.

History

The K-562 cell line was first established in 1970 by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The cells were taken from a 53-year-old woman with CML who was in the blast crisis phase of the disease. The name "K-562" comes from the initials of the Karolinska Institute and the patient's age at the time the cells were collected.

Characteristics

K-562 cells are erythroleukemia cells, meaning they are derived from immature red blood cells. They are characterized by their large size, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, and presence of multiple nucleoli. These cells also express several oncogenes, including BCR-ABL, which is the genetic abnormality responsible for CML.

Uses in Research

K-562 cells are used in a wide range of scientific studies. Because they are immortal and easy to grow in the lab, they are a convenient model for studying the biology of cancer cells. They are also used in drug testing and development, as they can be used to screen potential anti-cancer drugs for efficacy and toxicity. In addition, K-562 cells are often used in studies of gene expression, signal transduction, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

See Also

• Cell culture
• Leukemia
• Oncogene
• Apoptosis