Comparison of primary vs immortalized HUVEC

Fundamental research and drug development for personalized medicine necessitates cell cultures from defined genetic backgrounds. However, providing sufficient numbers of authentic cells from individuals poses a challenge. Here, we present a new strategy for rapid cell expansion that overcomes current limitations. Using a small gene library, we expanded primary cells from different tissues, donors and species. Cell type specific regimens that allow the reproducible creation of cell lines were identified. In depth characterization of a series of endothelial and hepatocytic cell lines confirmed phenotypic stability and functionality. Applying this technology enables rapid, efficient and reliable production of unlimited numbers of personalized cells. As such, these cell systems support mechanistic studies, epidemiological research and tailored drug development. In these experiments primary HUVEC were compared to immortalized HUVEC with respect to their global gene expression pattern. The global gene expression profile of primary and immortalized HUVEC was analyzed. In addition primary human fibroblasts (4 samples; from three different donors) as control cells were included in this experiment. The immortalized HUVEC lines are derived from the same donor as the primary cells and were treated with the following gene combinations (MYC, ID1, ID2 - e-hUVEC-2); (MYC, ID1, FOS - e-hUVEC-8); (MYC, ID2, FOS - e-hUVEC-9). Each HUVEC sample (primary or immortalized) was run in duplicate.