JEG-3 cells were cultured in DMEM F-12 medium with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin for 24 h. Cells were serum starved (in DMEM F-12 with 0,1% BSA and 1% penicillin/streptomycin) for 72 h (medium was changed every 48h). Ater 48h without serum the cells were changing their morphology and according to WST-1 test their viability was poor. Do you have any suggestions how to culture cells in conditions without serum?
Hello Adéla Burianová
The response of mammalian cells to serum starvation will vary ranging from a few mins to a maximum of 48 hours. There are cell lines which can withstand serum starvation for more than 24 hours while others (for instance, primary cultures) may not be able to undergo serum starvation for long hours. Starving cells of serum beyond its capacity may trigger apoptosis and reduce cell survival.
You will be subjecting JEG-3 cells to serum starvation using DMEM F-12 with 0.1% BSA for 72 hours, which is a long duration. The results are clear. JEG-3 cells are not able to withstand serum starvation for more than 48 hours.
So, I would suggest that you try to serum starve your cells with different concentrations of serum namely, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% ,2% and 2.5% for 72 hours. Do not use BSA. Then check the cells for viability and cell morphology. Choose the best concentration of serum that shows good viability and unchanged morphology for 72 hours.
So, you will have to perform this pilot experiment to determine the lowest serum concentration in the culture medium that will help to keep the cells healthy but not proliferate.
Best.