HepG2

HepG2 is a human liver cancer cell line derived from hepatocellular carcinoma. It is one of the most widely used in vitro models of human hepatocytes due to its expression of several liver-specific functions, including albumin production and cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. The line has been extensively characterized and serves as a flexible platform for studying liver metabolism, toxicology, and cancer-related processes.

Origin and characteristics

HepG2 cells are adherent and typically form a monolayer in standard mammalian culture conditions. They are commonly grown in high-glucose DMEM supplemented with fetal bovine serum and are amenable to genetic manipulation, including plasmid transfection and gene editing approaches. The cells exhibit several hepatocyte-like features and are used to infer aspects of hepatic physiology in vitro.

Applications

HepG2 is used to investigate drug metabolism and enzyme induction, hepatic transporters, and various aspects of liver cell biology. It serves as a practical model for screening hepatotoxicity and for studies of lipid and protein metabolism. In virology research, derivatives of the HepG2 lineage have been employed to study hepatitis B virus replication and related biology.

Limitations and considerations

As a cancer-derived cell line, HepG2 may not fully recapitulate the physiology of normal hepatocytes. Metabolic capabilities can differ from primary liver cells, and results should be interpreted with caution. Regular authentication and mycoplasma testing are recommended in laboratory use.