I have purchased THP-1 cell line from ATCC and they recommed mercaptoethanol. It is a reducing agent, what is the function of this kind of agent in culture medium of THP-1 cells? How mercaptoethanol interfere in the cells?
THP-1 is a very sensitive cell. Adding 2-mercaptoethanol is to reduce the oxidative stress of the cells. If THP-1 is exposed to oxidative stress without the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol, THP-1 will be apoptosed or differentiated into macrophages.
In addition, the half-life of 2-mercaptoethanol is over 100 hours at pH 6.5 and over 4 hours at pH 8.5. Therefore, do not dilute the entire culture, but dilute it in a new medium every time it is cultured.
I do not know well, so it may not be the right answer but I hope it helps.
Min Hwan Kim is correct, but I have been growing THP-1 cells without 2-mercaptoethanol with no problems.
Mercaptoethanol in growth medium is not necessary to culture THP-1 cells !
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