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Persistent use of false myeloma cell lines
Hans G Drexler1, Yoshinobu Matsuo, Roderick A E MacLeod
1DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany. hdr@dsmz.de
Human Cell
|March 10, 2004
Summary
Many human myeloma cell lines are misidentified Epstein-Barr virus-positive B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, not true multiple myeloma cells. Authenticating cell lines is crucial to ensure research validity and prevent wasted resources in multiple myeloma studies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of terminally differentiated B-cells.
- Established human myeloma cell lines are vital in vitro models for biological research.
- Over 100 MM cell lines have been developed in the past two decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the issue of misidentified cell lines in multiple myeloma research.
- To emphasize the importance of authenticating cell lines for scientific validity.
- To advocate for mandatory authentication of new cell line derivations.
Main Methods:
- Review of established human myeloma cell line characterization.
- Analysis of the impact of misidentified cell lines on research outcomes.
- Comparison of DNA fingerprinting or karyotyping for cell line authentication.
Main Results:
- A significant number of purported MM cell lines are actually Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-lymphoblastoid cell lines.
- The use of misidentified cell lines can invalidate research findings and waste resources.
- EBV-genome presence in normal B-cells can confer a selective growth advantage, leading to misidentification.
Conclusions:
- The use of authenticated, bona fide multiple myeloma cell lines is essential for accurate research.
- Mandatory DNA fingerprinting or karyotyping comparison is needed to verify cell line origins.
- Accurate cell line authentication supports the study of multiple myeloma biology, etiology, and treatment.