<strong>HEK293 cell line: </strong>HEK 293 (Human Embryonic Kidney 293) cells are an immortal cell line originally derived from the kidney cells of a human embryo. They are characterized by their fast division rate and high transfection efficiency, which makes them a popular model in biomedical research. For our studies, the basic HEK293 cells were provided to us by the Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Group at Bielefeld University, headed by Prof. Dr. Kristian Müller. Prof. Dr. Müller is also one of the Principal Investigators of our team. We use this cell line in our proof-of-concept studies and for testing the Prime Editing Guide pegRNA (pegRNA) to evaluate the efficiency and functionality of our constructs.
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<strong>HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line: </strong>The HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line is based on HEK293T cells expressing an additional tsA1609 allele of the SV40 large T antigen. This allele enables the replication of vectors containing the SV40 origin of replication. In addition to the native CFTR gene, which is not expressed in HEK cells, the HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line from Leuven carries another copy of the CFTR gene embedded in an expression cassette. This cassette contains a CMV promoter, which is derived from the human cytomegalovirus and is frequently used for the overexpression of genes in human cells. In addition, the cassette contains a puromycin resistance gene that is co-expressed with CFTR, allowing continuous selection of CFTR-expressing cells.
<strong>HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line: </strong>The HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line is based on HEK293T cells expressing an additional tsA1609 allele of the SV40 large T antigen. This allele enables the replication of vectors containing the SV40 origin of replication. In addition to the native CFTR gene, which is not expressed in HEK cells, the HEK293T-3HA-CFTR cell line carries another copy of the CFTR gene embedded in an expression cassette. This cassette contains a CMV promoter, which is derived from the human cytomegalovirus and is frequently used for the overexpression of genes in human cells. In addition, the cassette contains a puromycin resistance gene that is co-expressed with CFTR, allowing continuous selection of CFTR-expressing cells.
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<strong>HEK293T-3HA-F508del-CFTR cell line:</strong> The HEK293T-3HA-F508del-CFTR cell line is a modified HEK293T cell line that carries the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for the most common mutation in cystic fibrosis. This mutation leads to a defective CFTR protein that impairs the normal function of the chloride channel. The cell line is therefore ideal for studying the effects of this mutation and for evaluating potential therapies for cystic fibrosis.
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<strong>CFBE41o- cell line:</strong> The CFBE41o- cell line, derived from the bronchial epithelial cells of a cystic fibrosis patient, is homozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation and was essential for our cystic fibrosis research. A reduced CFTR expression level is present. The cell line carries the CFTR defect and can therefore represent a patient with CF. The cell line is used to test our mechanism. These cells were immortalized with a replication-defective plasmid that retains their physiological properties.
When working with the HEK293T and CFBE41o- cell lines, it’s important to consider the minimal risks associated with their use. While not harmful on their own, the genetic modifications in HEK293T cells require careful handling to prevent accidental release or exposure. These cells, engineered to overexpress CFTR, including the F508del mutation, necessitate strict safety measures like regular monitoring and proper waste disposal to comply with S1 laboratory standards. Similarly, CFBE41o- cells, due to their genetic modifications and disease relevance, require careful handling to avoid cross-contamination and ensure biosafety.
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When working with the HEK293T and CFBE41o- cell lines, it’s important to consider the minimal risks associated with their use. While not harmful on their own, the genetic modifications in HEK293T cells require careful handling to prevent accidental release or exposure. These cells, engineered to overexpress CFTR, including the F508del mutation, necessitate strict safety measures like regular monitoring and proper waste disposal to comply with S1 laboratory standards. Similarly, CFBE41o- cells, due to their genetic modifications and disease relevance, require careful handling to avoid cross-contamination and ensure biosafety.
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<strong>Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs):</strong> Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) were harvested using a nasal brush, a minimally invasive procedure, and cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to model the airway epithelium. Human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) were obtained using a nasal brush, a minimally invasive technique, and then cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to model the airway epithelium. Using these primary cultures, derived from donors with airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis, we were able to simulate the in vivo conditions of such diseases.
