Research Applications of Lifeline Cells and Culture Media

Many research groups have demonstrated the diversity of our many cell types. A few of the many research applications are highlighted here:

Lifeline® Dermal Fibroblasts as normal, non-transformed control cells

Prostate and pancreatic cancer are two of the most deadly human cancers with limited treatment options. Therefore, there is much interest in developing new targeted therapies against these cancer types. Lewis et al. investigated the efficacy of single strand oligonucleotides against the binding site of the transcription factor, STAT3, an important player in malignant progression. They followed up on previous studies, modifying an oligonucleotide against STAT3 binding sites on genomic DNA to block STAT3 binding and activation of its transcriptional targets. They found that oligonucleotides complementary to the human STAT3 binding sequence that extended past the 3’ end of the binding sequence were most effective in inducing apoptosis and blocking expression of CD46, a STAT3 target gene. Importantly, the researchers used Lifeline® primary human dermal fibroblasts to demonstrate that the effects of the anti-STAT3 oligonucleotide were specific to cancer cells as it had no effect on normal dermal fibroblast apoptosis.

Tumors are a complex environment in which metabolic pathways can be altered to support the increased energy requirement of the tumor. Efforts are currently underway to target these tumor-induced metabolic alterations in ways that spare noncancerous cells, which retain normal metabolic activity. Stuart et al. investigated the activity of CPI-613, a lipoate derivative, against the a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) complex, which generates TCA cycle intermediates that sustain cellular metabolism. They found that CPI-613 treatment increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited the KGDH complex, demonstrating that KGDH is regulated in a redox manner. Importantly, using Lifeline® primary human bronchial epithelial cells, the researchers illustrate that this effect is specific to cancer cells as CPI-613 had no effect on normal bronchial epithelial cells.

Lifeline® melanocytes as in vitro models of disease

Vitiligo is a condition that occurs when epidermal melanocytes are lost, causing areas of skin depigmentation. Vitiligo is thought to arise when melanocytes experience oxidative stress and undergo apoptosis. Toosi et al. investigated the vitiligo-inducing effects of chemical exposure to 4-tertiary butyl phenol (4-TBP) and monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MEH), both associated with vitiligo. They used Lifeline® human melanocytes, grown in DermaLife M melanocyte culture medium for their studies. They found that treatment of melanocytes with 4-TBP and MEH resulted in oxidative stress and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The researchers also observed increased expression of IL6 and IL8, two pro-inflammatory cytokines that are present in the human disease. Together, their results suggest that 4-TBP and MEH act through an oxidative stress-induced UPR that may lead to vitiligo.

In addition, our many cell types have been used in a variety of research applications including:

• Cancer Research
• Stem Cell/Regenerative Medicine Research
• Lung Injury and Disease
• Cardiovascular Diseases and Therapies
• Gingivitis and Oral Health
• Wound Healing and Fibrotic Diseases
• Bacterial and Fungal Infection
• DNA-based Therapeutic Development
• Skin Conditions and Diseases
• Medical Diagnostic Device Development

Let us know how you are using Lifeline® cells to answer your research questions and you could be featured here on our blog!