The Nomo-1 cell line is a continuous line of human cells used in scientific research, derived from a patient with a specific type of blood cancer. These cells are grown in laboratories as a model to investigate certain cancers and to study the immune system. Their ability to be cultured indefinitely allows for consistent and repeatable experiments.
Origin and Key Characteristics
The Nomo-1 cell line was established from the bone marrow of a 31-year-old female patient during her second relapse of acute monocytic leukemia (AML), a subtype known as FAB M5a. This origin is fundamental to its use in research, as the cells carry the features of this cancer. The cells were isolated from bone marrow, a soft tissue inside bones where new blood cells are produced. This source provides a cellular model that reflects the environment where the leukemia originated.
In a laboratory setting, Nomo-1 cells grow in suspension, meaning they float freely in the culture medium rather than attaching to a surface. They appear as individual, rounded cells, a common morphology for cells of hematopoietic origin. This growth characteristic influences how they are handled and maintained in the lab.
A defining feature of Nomo-1 cells is their immunophenotype, which is the specific set of proteins, or markers, present on their surface. They express markers characteristic of the monocytic lineage, including CD13 and CD33. They are also positive for CD4 but negative for markers like CD3, CD14, and CD19, which helps to precisely classify them.
Genetically, the Nomo-1 cell line is characterized by a chromosomal abnormality known as the t(9;11)(p22;q23) translocation. This event results in the fusion of the KMT2A (also known as MLL) gene with the MLLT3 gene, creating an MLL-AF9 fusion gene. This genetic alteration is directly implicated in the development of certain types of leukemia, making the cells a targeted model for studying the molecular consequences of the translocation.
Research Applications
The Nomo-1 cell line serves as a model for investigating the pathogenesis of acute monocytic leukemia. Researchers use these cells to explore the molecular mechanisms that drive the disease. This includes studying the abnormal cell signaling pathways and gene expression patterns that result from their characteristic MLL-AF9 fusion gene. These studies help scientists understand what fuels the uncontrolled proliferation of leukemia cells.
Nomo-1 cells are also employed in immunology and inflammation research. They provide a model for studying the body’s innate immune response because they share characteristics with primary monocytes. When exposed to stimuli like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Nomo-1 cells react by producing inflammatory cytokines. This response mimics how immune cells react to infection, making them useful for investigating inflammatory processes.
In drug discovery and toxicology, the Nomo-1 cell line is a tool for screening potential anti-leukemia therapies. Researchers use these cells to test the effectiveness of new compounds by assessing their ability to inhibit cancer cell growth or induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). The consistent genetic background of the Nomo-1 line allows for reproducible results, which helps identify promising drug candidates for further development.
Cell Culture and Handling
Maintaining the Nomo-1 cell line in a laboratory requires specific conditions. The cells are cultured in RPMI-1640 medium, a nutrient-rich liquid base supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), which provides essential growth factors, and L-glutamine. The cultures are kept in an incubator set to 37°C with a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 to maintain a stable pH.
Subculturing, or passaging, is a routine procedure to maintain the cell line’s viability. This process involves diluting the cell culture to a lower density to allow for continued growth. Researchers split the cultures every few days to keep the cell concentration within a recommended range, preventing overcrowding and nutrient depletion. The doubling time for these cells is approximately 35 to 55 hours.
For long-term storage, Nomo-1 cells are cryopreserved. This process involves freezing the cells in a cryoprotective medium containing a high concentration of FBS and a cryoprotectant like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The cells are slowly cooled before being stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures below -130°C. This method allows researchers to preserve cell stocks for future experiments.
Handling the Nomo-1 cell line requires specific safety protocols. As with all human-derived cell lines, they are handled under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions. This involves using personal protective equipment and working within a biological safety cabinet to prevent contamination and exposure to potential pathogens.
Differentiation Capabilities
A notable feature of the Nomo-1 cell line is its capacity to be chemically induced to differentiate into more specialized cells, such as macrophages or dendritic cells. Researchers can treat the promonocytic Nomo-1 cells with specific chemical agents to guide them toward this transformation. This ability to control their differentiation pathway is a powerful tool for experimental designs.
The most common agent used to induce this transformation is Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). When Nomo-1 cells are exposed to PMA, they undergo a series of predictable changes. This process mimics some aspects of the natural maturation of monocytes in the body. Other agents, such as Vitamin D3, can also be used to trigger different aspects of differentiation.
Following treatment with an agent like PMA, the cells exhibit distinct changes. They stop proliferating, cease floating in suspension, and become adherent to the surface of the culture dish. This shift is accompanied by morphological changes, as the cells become larger and develop shapes characteristic of macrophages. They also begin to express different surface markers associated with mature macrophages.
This induced differentiation is valuable because it provides a renewable and genetically uniform source of macrophage-like cells, avoiding the variability of isolating primary cells from donors. Researchers can use these differentiated cells to study the functions of mature macrophages, such as phagocytosis (the process of engulfing debris or pathogens). This allows for detailed investigation of macrophage biology.