I'm growing HEK293 cells for the first time, and I am unsure of how homogeneous the population should be. I was checking on them after a passage, and I noticed groups of cells with different morphology (I will try to update this post with a picture ASAP), and wasn't sure if I should be concerned. These cells were handled by a previous researcher in the lab who was also handling HeLa cells at the time. I've looked at pictures of HeLa cells, and although it could be them, I'm really not sure. I thought I would ask as I'm sure many more people have more experience with these cells and could give me some insight - I've tried looking at pictures of HEK293 cells, and while they are nice and homogeneous, it is only one view of a whole flask/dish.
Thank you for any help in advance!!
In my experience HEK 293 are very homogenous. For most of the HEK strains I have seen it is typical that they do not adhere well, while HeLa are firmly attached. So I think you might try to shake the (clearly sub-confluent!) culture a bit and re-seed the cells that come off easily. Then compare and see if the previously adhering ones are a different population of the ones that can be easily shaken off. But you should definitely NOT use any of these cultures any further if your suspicion is right (i.e. you cannot separate the lines in the way described above). Good luck.
Thank you so much for the insight and suggestions! This was very helpful!
If you are not sure what you have and you have even a bit of doubt, discard the cells immediately and thaw another vial of cells!
Thank you, Milica - I'm buying new cells because the vial I used was one of three, frozen at the same time and by the same person, so I don't trust any that cells I have. :( . I really appreciate the response and the suggestion! :)
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Extraction