WI-38

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA


Micrograph of WI-38 cells

WI-38 is a human cell line derived from the lung tissue of a 3-month-old female fetus. It is one of the most widely used cell lines in biomedical research and has played a crucial role in the development of vaccines and the study of cellular senescence.

History[edit]

The WI-38 cell line was developed in the early 1960s by Leonard Hayflick and Paul Moorhead at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. The cell line was derived from the lung tissue of a legally aborted fetus and was one of the first normal human diploid cell lines to be established. WI-38 cells have a normal karyotype and are capable of undergoing a finite number of cell divisions, a phenomenon known as the Hayflick limit.

Applications[edit]

WI-38 cells have been instrumental in the production of several important vaccines, including those for rubella, measles, mumps, varicella, and adenovirus. The cell line's ability to support the growth of various viruses has made it a valuable tool in vaccine development.

In addition to vaccine production, WI-38 cells have been used extensively in research on cellular aging and senescence. The study of WI-38 cells has provided insights into the mechanisms of cell cycle regulation and the role of telomeres in cellular aging.

Characteristics[edit]

WI-38 cells are fibroblast-like in morphology and exhibit a typical diploid karyotype. They have a finite lifespan in culture, typically undergoing 50 to 60 population doublings before entering a state of senescence. This characteristic makes them an ideal model for studying the process of cellular aging and the factors that influence the Hayflick limit.

Ethical Considerations[edit]

The use of WI-38 cells, derived from fetal tissue, has raised ethical questions regarding the use of human fetal material in research. However, the cell line has been widely accepted in the scientific community due to its significant contributions to public health and the development of life-saving vaccines.

Related pages[edit]

Sponsored Health Resource

W8MD weight loss success

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Looking for physician-supervised weight loss, semaglutide, tirzepatide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist options? W8MD helps eligible patients in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and greater Philadelphia with medical weight loss, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance support.

GLP-1 specials: Affordable GLP-1 injections NYC and Philadelphia starting from $29.99/week and up for semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits, and $45/week and up for tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits. Self-pay options start from $59.99/week and up for semaglutide and $69.99/week and up for tirzepatide.

Book a W8MD appointment · View GLP-1 specials

Paid promotional message. Eligibility, pricing, insurance coverage, medication availability, and results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=WI-38&oldid=6633157"