Culturing HEK 293 FT cells

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Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
  • Translational - Applied Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Human derived cells / tissues / organs
Specify the type of cells/tissues/organs
Human embryonic kidney 293 FT cells

Description

Method keywords
  • Culturing
  • Transfection
  • Viral production
  • High viral titer
Scientific area keywords
  • Viral production
  • High viral titer
  • Clinical translation
  • Cellular reprogramming
Method description

Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 FT cells is a celline that is very easy to culture and is used to obtain high viral titers. “293” is a reference to the 293th experiment wherein the cell line was discovered. A transfection with an adenovirus type 5 DNA fragment took place, causing the cell line to express E1A adenoviral gene. This stimulates the transcription of specific viral genes, resulting in a high production of viral proteins. “T” means that the HEK293 cell line is transfected with the SV40 T antigen, also stimulating the production of viral proteins. “F” stands for a fast growing HEK 293T strain with a high transfection efficiency.

Lab equipment
  • Biosafety cabinet;
  • Microscope;
  • Incubator.
Method status
  • History of use

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages
  • High viral titer;
  • Easy to culture;
  • Fast growing;
  • Easy to transfect.
Challenges

Use of serum.

Contact person

Matthias Rombaut

Organisations

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences
In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology
Belgium
Brussels Region