Mesothelial and Mesothelioma Cell Lines

Primary cultures of mesothelial cells have been established from rats, rabbits,
mice, and humans (Table 5.1). Mesothelial cell lines provide several advantages
for experimental studies: they provide a large number of cells isolated from a
single donor, cell lines can be isolated from genetically engineered mice, and
primary cell lines limit the number of animals required for experiments.
However, cell lines have several disadvantages: variability among donors,
variability in culture conditions in different laboratories, potential
phenotypic and genetic instability, and a limited life span in vitro (reviewed
in ref. 1). Some of these disadvantages can be overcome by quality control
procedures. For example, cell lines should not be passaged indefinitely; frozen
stocks should be maintained and thawed at regular intervals to prevent
phenotypic and genetic instability (reviewed in ref. 2). As in all cell cul¬ture
models, precautions are required to prevent cross-contamination and
contamination with bacteria or viruses. DNA profiles could be use¬ful to
identify cell lines; for example Manning et al (3) established initial genetic
profiles for their panel of human malignant mesothelioma cell lines. All
cultures should be screened for Mycoplasma and other pathogens (2).