Introduction HepG2 cells are a well-characterized human liver cancer cell line widely used in biomedical research. Derived from hepatocellular carcinoma, these cells replicate many liver-specific functions and are instrumental in studies related to drug metabolism, toxicology, liver disease, and cancer biology.
1. Origin and Identity HepG2 cells were established from a liver tumor of a 15-year-old male. They display epithelial morphology, grow in monolayers, and possess a stable, hyperdiploid karyotype. Despite being cancer-derived, they are non-tumorigenic in animal models, making them safe for routine laboratory use.
2. Key Liver Functions HepG2 cells retain the ability to produce plasma proteins like albumin and transferrin. They partially express cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are essential for xenobiotic metabolism. This makes them suitable for examining liver functions in vitro.
3. Applications in Drug Metabolism Due to their metabolic enzyme activity, HepG2 cells are a preferred model for evaluating drug metabolism and hepatotoxicity. They support studies on enzyme induction, inhibition, and biotransformation pathways. This aids in early-phase drug screening and safety assessment.
4. Cancer and Genetic Research HepG2 cells provide a reproducible system for investigating liver cancer mechanisms. They are also used in genetic studies involving CRISPR/Cas9 editing, RNA interference, and gene overexpression to analyze gene function and regulation.
5. Nutritional and Metabolic Studies Researchers use HepG2 cells to explore lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, and effects of dietary components on liver health. These applications are relevant for studying conditions such as fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.
6. Virology Applications Although not naturally permissive to all hepatitis viruses, HepG2 derivatives and co-culture systems facilitate the study of liver-targeting pathogens, particularly in hepatitis B and C virus research.
7. High-Throughput Screening Their uniform morphology and adherence make HepG2 cells ideal for high-content and high-throughput drug screening platforms. They are widely used in cytotoxicity and phenotypic assays.
8. Culturing Guidelines HepG2 cells are cultured in DMEM or MEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37°C and 5% CO2. They require subculturing every 2-3 days to maintain healthy growth and confluency.
9. Biosafety These cells are classified under Biosafety Level 1. Standard aseptic techniques and PPE are sufficient for safe handling. They pose minimal risk to laboratory personnel.
10. Limitations While HepG2 cells are robust, they have limitations such as reduced expression of certain drug-metabolizing enzymes compared to primary hepatocytes. Results should be interpreted with these constraints in mind.
Conclusion HepG2 cells are a reliable and versatile model for liver-related studies. Their human origin, functional attributes, and compatibility with modern research techniques make them indispensable in both academic and industrial settings. From toxicology to cancer biology, HepG2 cells continue to advance our understanding of liver physiology and disease mechanisms.
