ApplicationHormone studies
Human BeWo cell line has been used to study the effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) on the proliferation and gene transcription in the BeWo trophoblast cell line. It has also been used to study placental transfer of highly purified non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in BeWo cells.
Biochem/physiol ActionsHuman choriocarcinoma
STR-PCR Data: Amelogenin: X,Y
CSF1PO: 11,12
D13S317: 9,11
D16S539: 13,14
D5S818: 10,11
D7S820: 10,12
THO1: 9,9.3
TPOX: 8
vWA: 16
The first human, trophoblastic endocrine cell type to be maintained in continuous culture. It was initiated from a malignant gestational choriocarcinoma of the foetal placenta. The cells secrete placental hormones including chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), polypeptide hormones, lactogen, estrogenic and progestational steroids, estrone, estradiol, estriol and progesterone. A high rate of hCG Synthesis has been shown. Cellular differentiation of this stem cell type occurs when hormonal precursors are added to the medium. Due to the high glycolytic activity the cells have to be sub-cultured or supplied with fresh media every 24-48 hours to prevent glucose exhaustion. BeWo has the same DNA profile as JEG3 (Sigma catalogue number 92120308); JEG3 was established by serial cloning of BeWo.
Preparation NoteHam′s F12 + 2mM Glutamine + 10% Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS).
Split sub-confluent cultures (70-80%) 1:3 i.e. seeding at 4x10,000 cells/cm² using 0.25% trypsin/EDTA; 5% CO₂; 37°C; medium change or subculture every 24-48 hours necessary.
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This cell line is part of the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC), an international repository managed by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). No licensing agreement is required when either this cell line or the DNA extracted from it are used for internal research purposes only. Any other use of these products is prohibited without the express written permission of UKHSA. Inquiries regarding authorized use of this cell line or its genomic DNA may be directed to
[email protected].