Steve Miller (sgmiller at netcom.com) wrote:
: As I understand it, the HEK-293 cell line was isolated by transforming
: primary human embryonic kidney cells with sheared adenovirus.
: I recall reading that only the 5' end of the viral genome is present in the
: HEK-293 line. What precautions should be taken when working with this
: cell line over and above those inherent in working with a human cell
: line?
: ATCC warns of infectious potential while InVitrogen ships the 293-EBNA
: derivative with no warnings of any type.
I have used 293 cells for more years than I care to mention. I have used
no special precautions with them. Rarely, do I even wear gloves. They do
not harbor infectious adenovirus (except if you infect them). I am not
aware that they contain any human retroviruses. I would treat them like
you treat HeLa cells except that they don't attach as well to the dish.
ATCC probably gives a disclaimer with any cell line that they ship.
If you have any other questions about them, please e-mail me.
Lisa Brunet, Ph.D.
UC Berkeley
brunet at uclink2.berkeley.edu
