Cell lines, which can grow and divide indefinitely in a laboratory, provide consistent models for studying human biology. BeWo cells are a widely used model, particularly for exploring human placental biology.
The Origin and Nature of BeWo Cells
BeWo cells are a human cell line that originated from gestational choriocarcinoma, a type of placental cancer, in 1968. They exhibit characteristics similar to trophoblasts, cells that form the outer layer of the blastocyst and later develop into the placenta. BeWo cells display an epithelial-like shape and are adherent, meaning they attach to surfaces in culture.
BeWo cells proliferate rapidly, with a doubling time of approximately 30 hours. They also have a stable karyotype, with a modal chromosome number typically around 86. BeWo cells produce various hormones associated with the placenta, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), placental lactogen, and steroid hormones like estrone, estriol, and estradiol.
Why BeWo Cells Are a Key Research Tool
BeWo cells are valuable to researchers as a laboratory model. Their ease of culturing contributes to the reproducibility of experimental results, allowing scientists to conduct consistent studies.
The use of BeWo cells also offers ethical advantages over obtaining primary human placental tissue, which can be challenging to acquire consistently. These cells can mimic certain functions of the human placenta, such as the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts, which are the multinucleated cells responsible for nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and fetus. A specific subclone, BeWo b30, is particularly useful for studies involving nutrient uptake and transport due to its ability to grow densely on permeable membranes.
Diverse Applications in Scientific Research
BeWo cells are employed across various scientific disciplines. They are frequently used to investigate the placental barrier, examining how substances like drugs, nutrients, and toxins traverse into or out of the developing fetus. This includes studies on the transport of specific nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and iron across the placental layer.
The cells also serve as a model for understanding placental hormone synthesis and regulation. Researchers utilize BeWo cells to study the production and control of hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and placental lactogen. When treated with forskolin, BeWo cells show an increase in the secretion of beta-hCG and progesterone, reaching levels comparable to other choriocarcinoma-derived cell lines.
BeWo cells contribute to investigations into the immunology of pregnancy, exploring the interactions between the maternal and fetal immune systems. They are also used to study gestational diseases, such as preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. BeWo cells, particularly when exposed to hypoxia, can mimic aspects of preeclampsia by increasing the expression and release of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), a factor implicated in the disease.
Important Considerations for Their Use
While BeWo cells offer many advantages, researchers must consider their limitations. Since they are derived from a cancer cell line, they may not perfectly replicate the intricate physiology of a healthy, normal placenta in a living organism. Differences can exist in gene expression patterns, the way cells interact with each other, and their physiological responses compared to primary placental cells.
For instance, BeWo cells do not undergo contact inhibition of growth, which can make it difficult to consistently achieve a perfectly intact single layer of cells for certain transport studies. Researchers often interpret results from BeWo cell studies with care, and it is common practice to validate findings using other experimental models, such as primary human trophoblasts or other tissue samples, to ensure broader applicability of the results.