Coordination of cell growth in cocultures by a genetic proliferation control system

Advanced cell culture systems such as organotypic cultures or stem cell expansion often involve cocultivation of two or more different cell types. A typical situation is the use of a feeder cell line that supports survival, growth or controls the differentiation status of primary cells. Unequal proliferation capacities result in unbalanced cell growth, such as the undesired expansion of immortalized cells at the expense of the primary cells. We utilized a genetic regulatory system to coordinate cell growth in cocultures. Proliferation control of a feeder cell line by a recombinant transcription factor was employed to prevent feeder cells from overgrowing cocultured stem cells, thereby avoiding premature media exhaustion. Relevant characteristic cell-surface proteins present on the parental feeder cell line were preserved. No special equipment was required and cell-type specific growth could be adjusted even during coculture. When compared to a conventional gamma-irradiation procedure, genetic proliferation control was superior with respect to ease of use, robustness, cell adherence, morphology and viability. The results demonstrate the applicability of genetic proliferation control to coordinate growth of different cell types in cocultures.