Cellinjen

Cellinjen is a term used in Swedish-language scientific contexts to denote a cell line: a population of cells derived from a single progenitor cell that is maintained and propagated in vitro. A cell line can be established from tissues of humans or other organisms and may be primary (finite growth) or immortalized (capable of indefinite propagation).

Primary cultures originate directly from tissue and typically have a limited number of divisions; cell lines are subcultured through many passages and may acquire genetic and phenotypic stability under defined conditions, though they can also undergo drift over time.

Establishment and characterization: Cell lines are selected for consistent morphology, growth rate, and expression of specific markers. They are used to study cellular processes, disease mechanisms, drug responses, and toxicology. Commonly used human lines include HeLa, MCF-7, and other cancer-derived lines; non-transformed lines or animal lines are also used.

Maintenance and quality control: Cells are grown in sterile conditions using appropriate culture media, such as DMEM or RPMI, supplemented with fetal bovine serum. They require a suitable atmosphere (typically 5% CO2, 37°C). Regular subculturing, authentication, and testing for contamination (bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma) are standard practices. Misidentification and cross-contamination of cell lines remain documented concerns.

Ethical and practical considerations: Derivation from human tissue requires informed consent and institutional approvals; researchers should follow biosafety guidelines and ensure traceability of cell lines.