HEK293 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-001
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | HEK293 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin | Embryonic Kidney |
| Cell Type | Epithelial-like |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Polygonal, epithelial-like |
| Typical Medium | DMEM (High Glucose) + 10% FBS |
| Doubling Time | 24-36 hours |
| Passage | 70-90% confluency |
| Main Use | High-efficiency transfection and recombinant protein production |
Overview
HEK293 is one of the most widely used mammalian cell lines in biomedical research. Derived from human embryonic kidney cells transformed with adenovirus type 5 DNA, it is valued for its rapid growth, ease of maintenance, and exceptional transfection efficiency.
HEK293 has become a standard model for molecular biology, recombinant protein production, CRISPR experiments, and viral vector development.
Origin
- Developed in the early 1970s by Alex van der Eb.
- The designation 293 refers to the successful experiment number.
- Generated through transformation with adenovirus type 5 DNA.
Unique Biology
Unlike normal kidney cells, HEK293 cells contain integrated adenovirus E1A and E1B genes that promote continuous proliferation.
The cells are highly aneuploid and have accumulated numerous chromosomal abnormalities during long-term culture. Consequently, HEK293 should not be considered representative of normal kidney physiology.
One of the defining characteristics of HEK293 is its remarkable susceptibility to DNA uptake, making it one of the easiest mammalian cell lines to transfect.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- DMEM (High Glucose)
- 10% Fetal Bovine Serum
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as an adherent monolayer and are generally passaged at 70-90% confluency using split ratios between 1:5 and 1:10.
Major Applications
HEK293 cells are extensively used for:
- Transient transfection
- Stable transfection
- Recombinant protein expression
- CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
- Reporter assays
- Cell signaling studies
- Lentiviral vector production
- Adenoviral vector production
- AAV production
Strengths
- Extremely high transfection efficiency
- Rapid growth
- Easy maintenance
- Robust recovery after cryopreservation
- Extensive literature support
Limitations
- Highly transformed and genetically abnormal
- Poor model of normal kidney biology
- Genomic instability during prolonged culture
- Limited tissue-specific physiological relevance
Common Variants
| Variant | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| HEK293T | High-efficiency transient transfection |
| HEK293FT | Viral vector production |
| HEK293F | Suspension protein expression |
| HEK293E | Episomal protein production |
References
- Graham FL et al. Journal of General Virology. 1977.
- Freshney RI. Culture of Animal Cells.
- ATCC Cell Line Database.
- Cellosaurus.
- ECACC.