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The Miracle of Transfection: How HEK 293 Cells Became a Biotechnology Star?
Human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK 293) have been a star cell in biotechnology research since they were first isolated in the 1970s. Not only do these immortal cell lines grow rapidly, they also have excellent transfection properties, making them prime tools for developing gene therapies, drug screening, and virus production. However, the HEK 293's potential comes from a little-known history and its application in the face of ethical challenges.
History of HEK 293
HEK 293 cells were first created in 1973 by Alex van der Eb's laboratory. They successfully cultured this cell line by transfecting human embryonic kidney cells with adenovirus 5 DNA. The key to this process is that only one cell from a female fetus has been confirmed as the source of the transfection, leaving the origins of HEK 293 shrouded in mystery.
Over time, HEK 293 cells were quickly accepted by the biotechnology industry due to their ease of transfection and reproducible experimental results.
Diversity and variants of cell lines
With the development of biotechnology, HEK 293 has derived multiple variants. For example, HEK 293T cells are generated by stably transfecting the SV40 large T antigen in HEK 293, which makes them more efficient at transfection. In addition, HEK293-ENT1KO is a mutant strain created using CRISPR technology, specifically used to study nucleotide transport.
Applications of HEK 293
HEK 293 cells have also become a popular choice for gene expression research due to their growability and high transfection efficiency. These cells can easily accept foreign genes and study the expressed proteins. Many experiments, such as the effects of drugs on sodium channels, the establishment of RNA interference systems and the study of protein-protein interactions, are based on HEK 293 cells.
In 1985, HEK 293 cells were adapted into suspension culture. This change promoted the mass production of recombinant adenoviral vectors and accelerated the experimental process of genetic engineering.
Bioethical discussion
The origin of HEK 293 cells has sparked debate about ethics. According to some bioethicists, the cells may have come from voluntary abortions, leading many to be skeptical of the products used in vaccines and treatments. Especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, HEK 293 cells have attracted attention in the production of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. Although these cells have been filtered out in the final product, this still triggered widespread discussion in society.
The production and use of vaccines is not only a scientific issue, but also a profound moral and social issue.
Conclusion
The application of HEK 293 cells in biotechnology will continue to change our understanding of and treatment of diseases. Whether in vaccine development or other biotech applications, these cells are invaluable. However, with the advancement of science and technology, the source and ethical issues of HEK 293 cells still require further dialogue and reflection. How should future scientific research balance technological progress and ethical considerations?
