HEK293
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Biology
| Stands for | Human embryonic kidney 293 cells |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
HEK293 stands for Human embryonic kidney 293 cells, a biology abbreviation.
Widely used human cell line, easy to grow and to transfect with DNA, which makes it a standard workhorse for producing proteins and viral vectors and for testing gene function. HEK293 cells and derivatives such as HEK293T are used to manufacture some gene therapies and vaccines.
Example: HEK293T cells were transfected with the three plasmids to package the lentivirus.
Usage notes
Alex van der Eb's laboratory in Leiden created the line in the early 1970s; Frank Graham transformed kidney cells from an aborted fetus with adenovirus DNA, and "293" refers to his 293rd experiment. Despite the name, the cells have properties of neuronal and adrenal lineages.
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