A549 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-009
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | A549 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin | Lung |
| Disease Association | Lung Adenocarcinoma |
| Cell Type | Alveolar epithelial-like |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Polygonal, epithelial-like |
| Typical Medium | F-12K or DMEM + 10% FBS |
| Doubling Time | Approximately 20-30 hours |
| Main Use | Lung cancer, respiratory biology, toxicology, and infection research |
Overview
A549 is one of the most widely used human lung cancer cell lines. Derived from a lung adenocarcinoma, it retains several characteristics of alveolar type II epithelial cells, making it a valuable model for both cancer and pulmonary research.
Its versatility has established A549 as a standard model for investigating lung cancer, respiratory infections, environmental toxicology, oxidative stress, and drug discovery.
Origin
- Established in 1972 from a human lung adenocarcinoma.
- Derived from alveolar epithelial tissue.
- One of the most extensively characterized lung epithelial cell models.
Unique Biology
A549 cells exhibit several features associated with alveolar type II epithelial cells, including the ability to produce components of pulmonary surfactant.
They are widely used to investigate:
- Lung epithelial biology
- Pulmonary surfactant function
- Respiratory infections
- Air pollution toxicity
- Cigarette smoke exposure
- Nanoparticle toxicity
A549 cells also harbor an activating KRAS mutation, making them an important model for studies of lung adenocarcinoma signaling and targeted therapies.
Although they retain many pulmonary epithelial characteristics, A549 cells are derived from a malignant tumor and should not be considered representative of normal lung tissue.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- F-12K or DMEM
- 10% Fetal Bovine Serum
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as adherent monolayers and are generally passaged at 70-90% confluency.
For toxicology and infection studies, consistent cell density and standardized exposure conditions are important for reproducible results.
Major Applications
A549 cells are extensively used for:
- Lung cancer biology
- Respiratory epithelial biology
- Drug screening
- Respiratory infection research
- Toxicology
- Air pollution studies
- Nanotoxicology
- Oxidative stress research
- Cancer metabolism
- Gene expression studies
Strengths
- Human-derived lung epithelial model
- Easy to culture and maintain
- Suitable for both cancer and respiratory research
- Extensive scientific literature
- Widely used for toxicology and infection studies
- Well characterized genetically
Limitations
- Derived from lung adenocarcinoma rather than normal lung tissue
- Represents only one subtype of lung cancer
- Contains an activating KRAS mutation that influences cellular behavior
- Lacks the complex architecture of the respiratory tract
- Findings should be validated using primary airway epithelial cells or more advanced lung models
References
- Giard DJ, Aaronson SA, Todaro GJ, et al. In Vitro Cultivation of Human Tumors: Establishment of Cell Lines Derived from a Series of Solid Tumors. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1973.
- Freshney RI. Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications.
- ATCC Cell Line Database.
- Cellosaurus Cell Line Knowledge Resource.
- ECACC Cell Line Collection.