Cell lines are fundamental tools in scientific research, providing a consistent system to study biological processes outside a living organism. These cultured cells enable controlled experiments, deepening the understanding of cellular mechanisms, disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions. H1299 is a widely utilized model in biological inquiry.
What are H1299 Cells?
H1299 cells are a human cancer cell line, widely used in laboratory research. They were derived from a lymph node metastasis of a non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in a 43-year-old male patient. Maintained in a controlled laboratory environment, these cells proliferate indefinitely for research.
H1299 cells are an “immortalized” cell line, meaning they grow and divide continuously in vitro. This consistent growth provides researchers with a reliable and abundant supply of cells for experiments. Their origin from lung cancer tissue makes them particularly relevant for studies focusing on this specific type of malignancy.
Key Features and Characteristics
H1299 cells possess distinct biological and genetic characteristics. They exhibit epithelial-like morphology, resembling flattened, adherent cells found in epithelial tissues. They typically grow attached to a surface in culture, forming a monolayer.
A defining genetic characteristic of H1299 cells is the homozygous partial deletion of the TP53 gene, resulting in a complete lack of functional p53 protein expression. The p53 protein is a tumor suppressor, involved in regulating cell growth, division, and programmed cell death. Its absence allows H1299 cells to proliferate vigorously and indefinitely. These cells also express wild-type KRAS and have a near-diploid karyotype. Their doubling time is approximately 22-30 hours, indicating a relatively fast growth rate.
Why H1299 Cells are Important in Research
H1299 cells are a valuable model for cancer biology research. Their lack of functional p53 protein is significant, allowing scientists to study the consequences of p53 loss in cancer progression and treatment resistance. This makes them ideal for investigating other tumor suppressor genes or pathways that might compensate for p53’s absence.
Researchers use H1299 cells to study cell cycle regulation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and drug resistance mechanisms in lung cancer. They are also used for screening anti-cancer drugs and understanding how compounds affect tumor cell growth and survival. H1299 cells contribute to gene function analysis, allowing scientists to introduce or remove specific genes to observe their impact on cellular behavior, including metastatic processes.