Commonly used cancer cell lines in research


There are numerous cancer cell lines that are commonly used in cancer research across different types and subtypes of cancer. Here are some examples of commonly used cancer cell lines:

  1. HeLa (Cervical Cancer): HeLa cells are derived from a cervical cancer patient named Henrietta Lacks. They are one of the oldest and most widely used cell lines in research.
  2. MCF-7 (Breast Cancer): MCF-7 cells were derived from a metastatic breast adenocarcinoma. They are extensively used to study breast cancer biology, hormone receptor signaling, and drug responses.
  3. A549 (Lung Cancer): A549 cells are derived from a lung carcinoma. They are commonly used to study lung cancer biology, drug resistance, and respiratory diseases.
  4. PC-3 (Prostate Cancer): PC-3 cells were derived from a bone metastasis of prostate adenocarcinoma. They are frequently used to study prostate cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic interventions.
  5. HT-29 (Colon Cancer): HT-29 cells were derived from a human colorectal adenocarcinoma. They are extensively used to study colorectal cancer biology, drug responses, and epithelial cell differentiation.
  6. U87 (Brain Cancer): U87 cells were derived from a human glioblastoma multiforme, a highly malignant brain tumor. They are widely used in brain cancer research, including studies on tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and therapeutic interventions.
  7. Jurkat (Leukemia): Jurkat cells are derived from a patient with acute T-cell leukemia. They are commonly used to study leukemia biology, immune responses, and drug screening.
  8. SK-MEL-28 (Melanoma): SK-MEL-28 cells were derived from a malignant melanoma. They are frequently used to study melanoma progression, metastasis, and melanocyte biology.
  9. DU145 (Prostate Cancer): DU145 cells were derived from a brain metastasis of prostate carcinoma. They are commonly used to study prostate cancer biology, drug responses, and molecular mechanisms.
  10. MDA-MB-231 (Breast Cancer): MDA-MB-231 cells were derived from a metastatic breast adenocarcinoma. They are often used to study invasive breast cancer, metastasis, and experimental therapies.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more cancer cell lines available for different types of cancers. Each cell line has its own unique characteristics, molecular profile, and behavior, making them suitable for studying specific aspects of cancer biology and therapeutic interventions. Researchers select specific cell lines based on their research goals and the characteristics that align with their studies.