A cell line is a population of cells that can be grown in a laboratory for extended periods. These cells are derived from a single source and can be propagated over many generations, making them valuable tools for scientific investigation. The A704 cell line is a specific human cell line that has found widespread use in various research applications, particularly those focused on kidney biology and disease. It provides a consistent and reproducible model for studying cellular processes outside of a living organism.
Origin and Characteristics
The A704 cell line was originally isolated from the kidney tissue of a 78-year-old male patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer originating in glandular cells. This cell line exhibits an epithelial morphology, meaning the cells grow in a sheet-like fashion, similar to the lining of organs. They adhere to surfaces in culture dishes, forming a monolayer as they grow.
A704 cells are immortalized, proliferating indefinitely, unlike primary cells that have a limited lifespan. Karyotype analysis of A704 cells reveals chromosomal abnormalities, including breaks, dicentrics, and endoreduplication, with ploidy levels ranging from diploid to hyperdiploid and even hypertriploid to hypertetraploid. While these cells can form colonies in a semi-solid medium, they do not typically form tumors when introduced into immunosuppressed mice. The A704 cell line also possesses specific isoenzyme profiles, such as AK-1, ES-D, G6PD, GLO-I, Me-2, PGM1, and PGM3.
Research Applications
The A704 cell line is used in research, particularly for kidney function and disease studies. Its origin from kidney adenocarcinoma makes it a relevant model for investigating renal cell carcinoma, a common type of kidney cancer. Researchers use A704 cells to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and potential therapeutic targets.
Beyond cancer, A704 cells serve as a model for broader kidney research, including toxicology studies to assess the effects of various substances on kidney cells. They are also employed in drug screening for testing new pharmaceutical compounds. The epithelial nature of A704 cells also makes them suitable for investigating general epithelial cell biology, such as cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation processes relevant to kidney health and disease. This versatile cell line can also be used in 3D cell culture models and as a host for transfection experiments.
Considerations for Use
When working with the A704 cell line, researchers consider several factors. Cell lines can undergo genetic drift, where characteristics subtly change over time due to mutations or selective pressures. This necessitates careful monitoring and authentication of the cell line to confirm its identity and consistent properties.
Proper cell culture techniques are important to maintain the health and integrity of A704 cells. This includes using the correct growth medium, such as Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum, and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions like temperature and carbon dioxide levels. While cell lines like A704 are research tools, they are in vitro models and do not perfectly replicate a living organism’s physiological environment. Therefore, findings from cell line studies often require validation in more complex in vivo systems to fully understand their implications.