I need to perform cytotoxicity studies with an isolated substance for a future formulation with oral administration. However, I don't know which cell lines to choose to test cell viability... Thanks in advance!
You should use a normal cell line to check the cytotoxicity of the substance used in the formulation for oral administration. Established murine and human fibroblast cell lines are amongst the most frequently used cells in cytotoxicity testing.
I suggest you use hTERT Gingival Fibroblast cells which are hTERT-immortalized cells exhibiting fibroblast-like morphology that were isolated from the gums (gingiva) of a normal female. This product has applications for drug development and oral/gingival toxicity studies. This cell line is available at ATCC as hTERT Gingival Fibroblast CRL-4061. The link is provided below.
HGF-1(CRL-2014) is another cell line which you could use as it exhibits fibroblast morphology and is also available at ATCC. The link is provided below.
Usually there are cell line panels with multiple cell lines that you could buy to do a broad cytotoxicity of your compound. However, they are very expensive and many lab don't go for that option.
When selecting a cell line for cytotoxicity assays, several factors should be considered to ensure relevance and suitability for your specific experimental goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Tissue Origin: Choose a cell line that originates from the same or related tissue as the target cells or tissue you are studying. This helps ensure that the response observed in the cell line is representative of the intended biological system.
2. Relevant Pathophysiology: If you are investigating the cytotoxic effects of a particular substance or drug on a specific disease or condition, consider using a cell line that mimics the characteristics of that disease. For example, if you are studying cancer-related cytotoxicity, using a cancer cell line may be appropriate.
3. Compatibility with Assay: Consider the specific cytotoxicity assay you plan to use and select a cell line that is compatible with the assay protocol. Some assays may require specific cell types or have specific requirements for growth media, culture conditions, or detection methods.
4. Well-Established Model: Choose a cell line that is well-characterized and widely used in the field. This allows for better comparison with existing literature and facilitates the interpretation of your results.
5. Availability and Cost: Consider the availability and cost of the cell line. Some cell lines may be more readily accessible and affordable, while others may require special permissions or have higher costs associated with their use.
6. Normal vs. Immortalized Cells: Decide whether you want to use normal primary cells or immortalized cell lines. Normal primary cells offer physiological relevance but have limited lifespan and may require more specialized culture conditions. Immortalized cell lines, on the other hand, can be propagated indefinitely but may have altered characteristics compared to primary cells.
7. Genetic Stability: Check if the cell line has been tested for genetic stability and confirm that it has not undergone significant changes or genetic modifications that could affect its behavior.
8. Species Consideration: Consider whether you need a cell line derived from the same species as your target system. Depending on the research question, it may be important to use human-derived cell lines or cell lines from other relevant animal species.
Ultimately, the choice of a cell line for cytotoxicity assays should be based on the specific research objectives, relevance to the target system, and compatibility with the assay and experimental conditions. Consulting the scientific literature and seeking advice from colleagues or experts in your field can provide valuable insights and help guide your decision.
When choosing cell lines for cytotoxicity studies, it's important to consider the target organ or tissue where the formulation will have an effect. Since you mentioned oral administration, you may want to select cell lines that mimic the gastrointestinal tract.
Here are a few commonly used cell lines for cytotoxicity studies related to oral administration:
Caco-2: This human colon adenocarcinoma cell line is widely used as a model for intestinal absorption and transport studies. Caco-2 cells form tight junctions and exhibit properties similar to the small intestine, making them suitable for evaluating the potential toxicity and absorption of orally administered substances.
HT29-MTX: This human colon adenocarcinoma cell line is derived from the same tissue as Caco-2 cells but produces higher levels of mucus, making it a suitable choice for studying mucosal interactions and the effects of substances on the mucus layer.
HepG2: This human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line represents the liver, which plays a vital role in metabolism and detoxification. It can be used to assess the potential hepatotoxicity of orally administered substances, as the liver is responsible for processing many compounds.
HEK293: Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells are commonly used for various applications, including cytotoxicity studies. While not specific to the gastrointestinal tract, these cells can provide a broad indication of cytotoxic effects and are relatively easy to culture.