Hela cells vs HEK293

 

Hela cells and HEK293 cells are two types of cell lines that are commonly used in scientific research.

Hela cells are a type of cancerous cell line that was derived from a cervical cancer tumour in 1951. They are widely used in scientific research because they are easy to grow in the laboratory, and they have a relatively fast growth rate. Hela cells are often used in research on cancer, genetics, and cell biology.

HEK293 cells, also known as human embryonic kidney 293 cells, are a type of cell line that was derived from human embryonic kidney tissue in the 1970s. They are often used in scientific research because they are easy to grow and manipulate in the laboratory, and they have a high capacity for transfection, meaning that they can easily take up and express foreign DNA. HEK293 cells are often used in research on gene expression, protein production, and the development of new drugs.

While both Hela cells and HEK293 cells are useful tools in scientific research, they have different properties and are used for different purposes. It is important to carefully consider which cell line is most appropriate for a given research project.

Difference between Hela cells and normal cells

There are several key differences between Hela cells and normal cells. For instance:

Origin: 

Hela cells are a type of cell line that was derived from a cervical cancer tumour in 1951. They were named after Henrietta Lacks, the woman from whom the tumour sample was taken. Normal cells, on the other hand, are cells that are found in the body and are not cancerous. They can come from any type of tissue in the body, such as skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, etc. 

Rebecca Skloot writing style

 

Rebecca Skloot is an American science writer and author who is known for her ability to convey complex scientific concepts in a way that is both engaging and accessible to a wide audience. Her writing style is characterized by her use of descriptive language, personal anecdotes, and storytelling elements, as well as her reliance on research and interviews to provide context and depth to her work.

Why you should watch The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks movie

 

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, starring Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne, is a powerful, gripping story that demands attention. It is based on the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells have been used for medical research without her family’s knowledge or consent. While watching this movie, viewers are likely to be moved by the injustices suffered by the Lacks family, the struggles that come with being a family without medical insurance and the importance of informed consent. These elements, combined with the expert performances of Winfrey and Byrne, make The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks a must-watch movie.

Life of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman who lived in the early 1900s. She was born in 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia, and grew up on a tobacco farm nearby Clover, Virginia. Lacks was the daughter of a farmer and a homemaker, and she had several siblings. She married at a young age and had five children. Little is known about her early life, but she later married her cousin, David Lacks, and the couple had five children together.

A quick summary of the book "The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

 

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is a book by Rebecca Skloot that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancerous cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first immortal human cell line and have been widely used in scientific research, leading to numerous medical breakthroughs. However, Henrietta's family was not aware of this until decades later, and they struggled with the consequences of her cells being used without their permission. The book explores the ethical issues surrounding medical research and the exploitation of marginalized communities, as well as the Lacks family's journey to understand and come to terms with Henrietta's legacy.

Should family of Henrietta Lacks be given compensation by companies selling HeLa cells?

The Henrietta Lacks story is one of tragedy, but also of immense medical progress. In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer. While she was being treated, her doctor took samples of her cells without her knowledge, and these cells are now known as HeLa cells. HeLa cells have since been used in the development of groundbreaking medical treatments, including the polio vaccine, cloning and gene mapping. Despite the significant advances made in medical science through the use of HeLa cells, the family of Henrietta Lacks has yet to receive compensation for the cells. This essay will discuss the various arguments surrounding the question of whether or not the family of Henrietta Lacks should be compensated for the use of HeLa cells by companies selling the cells.

How do Hela cells keep dividing while other cells die off

 Hela cells are cancer cells and have ability to divide rapidly and indefinitely. This is because they have acquired mutations in their DNA that allow them to evade the normal cellular mechanisms that control cell growth and division. These mutations can affect a variety of different cellular processes, including the ability of cells to respond to growth signals, the ability of cells to repair DNA damage, and the ability of cells to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). By disrupting these normal cellular mechanisms, cancer cells are able to divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner, which can lead to the formation of a tumor. As a result, Hela cells are able to keep dividing and reproducing, even when other normal cells in the body would die off. This ability to indefinitely divide is one of the key characteristics of cancer cells, and it is what makes them so difficult to treat.

HeLa cells re capable of undergoing rapid, mitotically-driven cellular division. In order to achieve this, HeLa cells undergo a process known as mitosis. This involves a series of stages which culminate in the separation of the genetic material from the parent cell into two daughter cells.

The first stage of mitosis is known as prophase. During this stage, the genetic material, housed within the nucleus of the HeLa cell, condenses to form a pair of chromosomes. The nuclear membrane also begins to break down.

The second stage is known as metaphase. During this stage, the chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator.

The third stage is anaphase. During this stage, the sister chromatids separate, and are drawn to the cell’s poles.

The fourth stage is telophase. During this stage, the chromosomes reach the cell’s poles, and a new nuclear membrane forms around each daughter cell. The cytoplasm also divides in two, allowing the two daughter cells to separate.

Finally, cytokinesis occurs. During this stage, the cytoplasm divides, and a cleavage furrow forms between the two daughter cells. This cleavage furrow then deepens until the two daughter cells have been completely separated.

Overall, HeLa cells divide by undergoing the process of mitosis. This involves four stages; prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. The process is completed by cytokinesis, where the cleavage furrow between the daughter cells deepens until the two cells are completely separated.

HeLa Cells ATCC

 The American Type Culture Collection, or ATCC, is a non-profit organization that maintains a collection of biological materials for use in research and education. These materials include cell lines, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms, as well as biological reagents and standards. The ATCC was founded in 1925, and today it is one of the world's largest and most widely used repositories of biological materials. Its mission is to support scientific research and discovery by providing high-quality, well-characterized biological materials to researchers around the world.

Hela cells are a type of immortalized cell line derived from cervical cancer cells. They were first isolated in 1951 by researcher Henrietta Lacks, and are now commonly used in scientific research. The ATCC, or American Type Culture Collection, is a non-profit organization that maintains a collection of biological materials for use in research and education. They offer a variety of different Hela cell lines for purchase, including both wild-type and mutant strains.  They also offer normal cell lines are cells that are derived from healthy tissue and are not cancerous or genetically modified in any way. These cell lines are commonly used as controls in experiments to compare the behavior of normal cells to cells that have been altered in some way. They also offer Kyoto Hela cells that are a subtype of Hela cells that have been extensively studied and are available from the ATCC for use in research.

George Otto Gey and Hela cells

George Otto Gey and Hela cells are two prominent names in medical history and cell culture research. George Otto Gey was a pathologist from Pittsburgh who discovered and developed the culture and growth of human tumor cells in vitro. Hela cells, on the other hand, were derived from a cervical cancer cell sample obtained from a female patient, Henrietta Lacks. Hela cells were discovered in 1951 by Gey and his team and have since been used in a wide range of scientific research and medical applications. This essay will discuss the scientific significance of George Otto Gey and the development of the HeLa cell line, the ethical implications of his discovery, and the potential impacts of the HeLa cell line on medical research and applications.

George Otto Gey was born in 1895 and earned his M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1919. His career focused primarily on pathology, studying the structure and function of tissues and organs in the body. In 1931, Gey established the Tissue Culture Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, with the aim of developing methods for culturing human tumor cells in vitro. This was an extremely important development, as it allowed scientists to study the physiology of tumors outside of the body, something which had not been possible before. This ultimately led to the identification and successful isolation of a single cell sample from a cervical cancer patient, which Gey named HeLa.

The HeLa cell line was derived from a sample of cells taken from the cervical tumor of Henrietta Lacks in 1951. This was the first successful isolation and culture of a human tumor cell line, making it an incredibly important discovery in the field of cell biology. Due to its ability to rapidly divide and replicate, the HeLa cell line has been used extensively in research, making it one of the most studied and well-known cell lines in the world. HeLa cells have been used to investigate a variety of medical conditions and treatments, including the effects of radiation, cancer treatments, and viral infections.

Despite the scientific importance of George Otto Gey's discovery and the HeLa cell line, it has been the subject of ethical debates for many years. This is due to the fact that the sample used to create the HeLa cell line was taken from Henrietta Lacks without her knowledge or consent. While Gey was not responsible for obtaining the sample, he was responsible for the development of the HeLa cell line, which has led to its widespread use in medical research and applications. This has raised ethical questions about the proper use of human samples in medical research and the rights of the donor of such samples.

Overall, the discovery of George Otto Gey and the HeLa cell line has had a profound impact on the medical field. His discovery allowed for the development of a reliable, efficient way to culture and study human tumor cells in vitro, something that had not been possible before. Furthermore, the HeLa cell line has been used extensively in research and applications, leading to many important advances in the medical field. Finally, the ethical implications of Gey's discovery have raised important questions about the use of human samples in medical research and the rights of the donor.

Henrietta Lacks movie summary

 

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is a book by Rebecca Skloot that was adapted into a movie in 2017. The story is based on the life of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who lived in the mid-20th century. Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951 and received treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. During her treatment, doctors took a sample of her cancerous cells without her knowledge or consent. These cells, which were named HeLa, were found to be incredibly resilient and were used in scientific research for decades.

The movie follows the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells on the scientific community. It also explores the ethical implications of using a person's cells for research without their knowledge or consent. The movie features a number of well-known actors, including Oprah Winfrey, Rose Byrne, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Overall, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is a thought-provoking movie that tells the story of a woman whose cells have had a profound impact on the scientific community. It also raises important questions about ethics in scientific research and the rights of individuals.

One of the central themes of the movie is the impact of HeLa cells on the scientific community. HeLa cells were the first human cells to be successfully cultured in a laboratory, and they have been used in countless experiments since. These experiments have led to numerous scientific breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. However, the use of HeLa cells has also been the source of controversy, as the cells were taken without Henrietta Lacks' consent and her family was not made aware of their use until many years later.

Another important theme in the movie is the impact of HeLa cells on Henrietta Lacks' family. Henrietta Lacks passed away in 1951, but her cells continued to be used in scientific research for decades. Her family was not aware of this until the 1970s, when they were contacted by a researcher who was studying HeLa cells. This revelation was shocking and difficult for the family to process, and they struggled to come to terms with the fact that Henrietta Lacks' cells were still alive and being used in research long after her death.

The movie also explores the ethical implications of using a person's cells for scientific research without their knowledge or consent. This is a complex issue that raises many questions about the rights of individuals and the role of the scientific community in respecting those rights. The movie does not provide easy answers to these questions, but it does highlight the need for open and transparent communication between researchers and the public.

There are several characters in the movie "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," which is based on the book of the same name by Rebecca Skloot. The main character is Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who lived in the mid-20th century. Henrietta is diagnosed with cervical cancer and receives treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where doctors take a sample of her cancerous cells without her knowledge or consent. These cells, known as HeLa, are incredibly resilient and are used in scientific research for decades.

Another important character in the movie is Deborah Lacks, Henrietta's daughter. Deborah is the narrator of the movie and is determined to learn more about her mother's life and the impact of her cells on the scientific community. She is played by Oprah Winfrey.

Other characters in the movie include:

Dr. George Gey, the scientist who first cultured Henrietta's cells and named them HeLa.

Dr. Roland Pattillo, the doctor who treated Henrietta for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Howard Jones, the doctor who performed the first successful in vitro fertilization using HeLa cells.

Dr. Michael Rogers, a researcher who studies HeLa cells and contacts Henrietta's family in the 1970s.

Deborah's husband, Zakariyya, who is skeptical of Deborah's quest to learn more about her mother's life.

Henrietta's husband, Day, who is devastated by Henrietta's death and struggles to support their children.

Henrietta's children, including her son Lawrence, who is angry about the use of his mother's cells without her consent.

Rebecca Skloot, the author of the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" who befriends Deborah and helps her learn more about her mother's life.

Overall, the movie features a diverse cast of characters who are all affected by Henrietta Lacks' cells in different ways. Some, like Deborah, are determined to learn more about her mother's life, while others, like Henrietta's husband Day, are struggling to come to terms with her legacy.

What are 3 things that HeLa cells have done?

HeLa cells have done some truly remarkable things in the past few decades. First, HeLa cells have been used in ground-breaking scientific research. HeLa cells are the most commonly used cell line in biological and medical research, particularly in cell biology and molecular biology. HeLa cells have enabled researchers to make incredible scientific advancements, such as in cancer research, understanding viruses, and developing new drugs. 

Second, HeLa cells have been used to create a wide variety of products, from vaccines and insulin to synthetic skin. HeLa cells have also been used in drug screening, genetic engineering, and cloning research.

Third, HeLa cells have been used to improve medical treatments and technologies. They are often used in medical trials to test the efficacy of treatments, and can also be used to produce medical supplies such as cultures for diagnosis and antibody production. In addition, HeLa cells have been used in tissue engineering and organ transplantation, making them invaluable for medical advancement.

Overall, HeLa cells have enabled remarkable scientific, technological, and medical progress. From groundbreaking scientific research to the production of products and treatments, HeLa cells have made a profound impact on our lives.

1. Hela cells and polio vaccine

Hela cells, otherwise known as Henrietta Lacks' HeLa cells, were taken from a sample of her cervical cancer cells in 1951 without her knowledge or consent and were subsequently used to create the first ever polio vaccine. Hela cells were a crucial component of the development of the polio vaccine, as they were the first immortalized human cell line to be successfully cultured in the laboratory.

Since their discovery, Hela cells have been widely used in medical research as a tool to better understand a variety of human diseases and conditions. The unique properties of Hela cells allow them to divide rapidly and continuously in the laboratory and make them invaluable in medical research. They have been used to understand how cancer cells grow, develop, and spread, as well as to develop treatments for numerous other conditions. 

However, Hela cells are best known for their role in developing the polio vaccine. In 1952, Dr. Jonas Salk and his team at the University of Pittsburgh successfully developed the polio vaccine, which was made possible by the use of Hela cells. Prior to this, scientists were unable to develop a vaccine using the traditional methods because the virus was unable to reproduce in any existing cell lines. Hela cells, however, were able to successfully replicate the virus and allowed scientists to produce a safe and effective vaccine.

The development of the polio vaccine with Hela cells was a ground-breaking achievement, as it allowed scientists to understand the effects of the virus on humans and provided a much-needed solution to a deadly disease that had been plaguing the world for centuries. It is estimated that the polio vaccine has saved more than 1.5 million lives since its introduction in the 1950s, making it one of the most successful and important vaccines ever created.

The use of Hela cells in the development of the polio vaccine is a testament to the power of medical research and the importance of ethical considerations. Despite the immense benefit of Hela cells to medical research, it is essential to recognize the potential ethical implications of their use and to strive to ensure that consent and proper ethical protocols are always followed when utilizing human cells in research.

2. Hela cells and organ transplants

Hela cells and organ transplants have been integral to the advancement of medical research and treatment. The HeLa cell line is the first immortal cell line that has been grown in laboratory conditions, allowing for massive amounts of research to be conducted over an extended period of time. Hela cells have been used to develop vaccines, study the effects of radiation and toxins, and research new treatments for cancer. Organ transplants, on the other hand, have had a much more direct impact on patient care. Transplantation of organs, such as kidneys and hearts, has allowed patients to extend their lives who would have otherwise been at risk of premature death. While there are still challenges in terms of finding matching organs and overcoming ethical concerns, transplants have become an accepted and lifesaving procedure.

While the two may seem like disparate topics, Hela cells and organ transplants are linked in several ways. For example, Hela cells have been used to study how cancer can be prevented, which is a key concern in the organ transplant field. Furthermore, Hela cells are also used to study the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, which are a cornerstone of successful organ transplantation. Finally, Hela cells can help to assess the success of organ transplants, as researchers use them to test the viability of donor organs.

In conclusion, Hela cells and organ transplants are both essential to the advancement of medical science and patient care. While they are used in different ways, they are linked in that they can both be used to understand and improve the efficacy of transplantation procedures. As such, both have played a critical role in improving our ability to save lives and promote better health.

3. Hela cells and tissue engineering

Hela cells have been used extensively in the field of biomedical research for the past sixty years, particularly in the area of tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering is a branch of biomedical engineering that uses various techniques to create, modify, or repair living tissues or organs. In tissue engineering, Hela cells are used to create three-dimensional biological structures that are used as scaffolding for tissue regeneration. Through the use of scaffolds and biomaterials, new organs can be created that can be used to replace damaged or diseased organs in the body. Hela cells have also been used to create tissue-engineered heart valves and skin grafts.

In addition to their use in tissue engineering, Hela cells are also used in research to study the effects of drugs and other substances on cells. Hela cells have the advantage of being easy to culture, which makes them a useful tool for research. They are also relatively resistant to the effects of radiation, which makes them ideal for use in testing new drugs and treatments.

Hela cells have been an invaluable tool in the advancement of tissue engineering and biomedical research. They have provided scientists with an important resource for studying cells and how they function, as well as for developing new treatments and cures for a variety of diseases. The continued use of Hela cells in tissue engineering and biomedical research will undoubtedly lead to more breakthroughs and discoveries in the future.

Finally, Hela cells have been used in the development of gene therapy. In gene therapy, genes from healthy individuals are transferred into the cells of those with certain diseases. The hope is that this technique can be used to treat and even cure a variety of diseases. Hela cells have been used in gene therapy research to study how genes are expressed and to assess the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy techniques.

How long can Hela cells be stored

Hela cells are an incredibly important part of modern scientific research. They are a type of immortal cell line derived from a cervical cancer tumour found in a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. This discovery revolutionized the field of biology and has since become a staple of medical research.

Hela cells are a type of immortal cell line, meaning that they can theoretically be stored and cultured indefinitely. In practice, Hela cells can be stored for years in a state of suspended animation without loss of potency or quality. This makes them an ideal resource for research, as they are convenient to keep and do not require frequent re-culturing or other maintenance. The use of Hela cells in research has made a significant impact on biomedical science, leading to the development of treatments for diseases and cancers, the development of better medical diagnostics, and the advancement of our understanding of human biology and genetics. In addition, Hela cells can be used to study many aspects of cell physiology, including growth and division, cell metabolism, and gene expression.

Hela cells can be stored in the form of frozen cell stocks, or in a liquid nitrogen tank at subzero temperatures. The cells can also be cryopreserved in a medium of glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at -80°C. Frozen stocks of Hela cells can be maintained at -70°C or -80°C for up to 10 years, and longer if properly maintained. Cells in liquid nitrogen tanks can be stored for up to 15 years.

Hela cells stored in culture dishes at 37°C and in a 5-10% carbon dioxide atmosphere can remain viable for weeks or even months. However, this method is less reliable than the other methods, as it is more prone to environmental contamination or other errors.

The longevity of Hela cells is a testament to their amazing utility in scientific research. Hela cells can be used to study a variety of topics, from cancer research to infectious diseases. They are a key component of research in many areas of medicine and biology, and their long-term storage capabilities make them a valuable resource.

The use of Hela cells in research has been made possible because of their unique ability to survive and remain healthy in laboratory culture. Hela cells can be frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen, and remain viable even after decades of storage. This means that they can be used again and again for research, reducing the need to obtain new cells each time.

In addition to their unique properties, Hela cells are incredibly useful for research because they can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to study the behaviour of other cells. By introducing specific genetic modifications or drug treatments, researchers can use Hela cells to study the effects of various treatments on other cells. This can provide valuable insights into diseases, cancer, and other aspects of human biology.

The ability to store Hela cells for future use has been a major advantage in the advancement of medical science. With the ability to store cells for long periods of time, researchers can conduct long-term studies with the same cells, eliminating the need to collect new cells for each experiment. This makes it much easier to follow the progress of a study over time and has enabled researchers to gain deeper insights into the inner workings of cell biology.

In summary, Hela cells are an incredibly important type of cell line used in modern scientific research. They can be frozen and stored for long periods of time, allowing them to be used again and again for research. Their unique properties also make them incredibly useful for studying the behaviour of other cells, enabling researchers to gain deeper insights into the inner workings of cell biology.

Henrietta Lacks Family

Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman who unknowingly changed the world of medicine with her immortal cells. She was born on August 1st, 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia to Eliza and John Lacks, and was the eldest of 10 children. She was raised in a very large, close-knit family of devout Baptists, whose faith provided a strong sense of community and a focus on the importance of family.

Henrietta was married to her husband, Day Lacks, at age 14 and had five children. She loved her children and enjoyed spending time with them, although she was quite poor and often had to work hard to provide for them. She worked in the tobacco fields and in the local hospital where she often assisted with procedures and diagnoses.

Sadly, Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951 at age 31. After surgery and radiation, her doctors took some of her cells without her consent, which would become the first successful immortal cell line. Henrietta passed away in 1951 at the young age of 31, leaving behind her grieving family and an unknowingly huge contribution to science.

The Lacks family did not know about her cells until decades later when the cell line was being used for a variety of medical breakthroughs. This was especially hard for the family, as it left them feeling powerless and confused. Although Henrietta never saw the many medical advancements that her cells have made, her family has still been greatly impacted.

Her husband Day Lacks was devastated by her death, as were her children and extended family members. He raised her five children on his own and did the best he could to provide for them. He also did a great job preserving Henrietta’s legacy, ensuring that her story and her contribution to medicine were never forgotten.

The Lacks family is proud of what Henrietta has achieved, and they have tried to take comfort in the knowledge that her cells have changed the world of medicine. Although they have struggled with the fact that they never gave consent for her cells to be used, they have seen the good that has come from her contribution and is thankful that she was able to make such a huge impact.

Henrietta Lacks is a symbol of hope and inspiration for her family, even though her legacy was never shared with her while she was alive. Her story and her cells have had a lasting impact on the world of medicine, and her family is forever grateful for the impact she made.

HeLa Cells of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks was a black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Her cervical cells were taken and grown in culture by a scientist called George Otto Gey. It grew like no other cells and it became the most widely used cell line in the world and helped in many medical discoveries including the polio vaccination and currently spearing heading research in AIDS. It was the first human immortal cell line. Her cells were grown commercially and companies made lots of money from her cells without Henrietta’s or her family’s consent. Sadly, the Lacks families had no clue about the existence of her cells till a few years ago. They were so poor that they could not even afford health insurance. Read more about this amazing cell line and the woman called Henrietta Lacks. Read more about this amazing cell line and the woman called Henrietta Lacks.

HeLa Cells of Henrietta Lacks 

Culturing Hela Cells

Watch the Hela cell culture protocol from thawing to plating out.



Medium: 90% of MEM or DMEM (with Earle's salts) with 10% FCS + 2 mM L-glutamine + non-essential amino acids. Can also use RPMI-1640 and 5-10% FBS.

Subculture: split confluent culture 1:4 or 1:6 every 3-5 days depending on confluency using trypsin/EDTA. Rate of doubling time is 24 to 48 hours. Seed at 1-2 x 106 cells/80 cm2. Incubate at 37 °C with 5% CO2

Storage: frozen with 70% medium, 20% FCS with 10% DMSO at about 1 x 106cells/ampoule

Asymmetric spindle orientation oh HeLa cells

Asymmetric spindle orientation oh HeLa cells on crossbow shaped micropattern

Henrietta Lacks, HeLa Cells, and Cell Culture Contamination

Henrietta Lacks died in 1951 of an aggressive adenocarcinoma of the cervix. A tissue biopsy obtained for diagnostic evaluation yielded additional tissue for Dr George O. Gey's tissue culture laboratory at Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, Maryland). The cancer cells, now called HeLa cells, grew rapidly in cell culture and became the first human cell line. HeLa cells were used by researchers around the world. However, 20 years after Henrietta Lacks' death, mounting evidence suggested that HeLa cells contaminated and overgrew other cell lines. Cultures, supposedly of tissues such as breast cancer or mouse, proved to be HeLa cells. We describe the history behind the development of HeLa cells, including the first published description of Ms Lacks' autopsy, and the cell culture contamination that resulted. The debate over cell culture contamination began in the 1970s and was not harmonious. Ultimately, the problem was not resolved and it continues today. Finally, we discuss the philosophical implications of the immortal HeLa cell line.

Reference and rest of the article: Lucey BP, Nelson-Rees WA, Hutchins GM. 2009. Henrietta Lacks, HeLa cells, and cell culture contamination.Arch Pathol Lab Med. 133(9):1463-7

Story of HeLa cells

The entire story of Hela cells and the Henrietta Lacks.

HeLa cell culture protocol

Medium: 90% of MEM (with Earle's salts) with 10% FCS + 2 mM L-glutamine + non-essential amino acids. Can also use RPMI-1640 and 5-10% FBS.

Subculture: split confluent culture 1:4 or 1:6 every 3-5 days depending on confluency using trypsin/EDTA. Rate of doubling time is 24 to 48 hours. Seed at 1-2 x 106 cells/80 cm2. Incubate at 37 °C with 5% CO2

Storage: frozen with 70% medium, 20% FCS with 10% DMSO at about 1 x 106cells/ampoule