Some properties and applications of cell lines and clones established from tet-responsive-SV40 tag mice and mES cell...

In this article, 11 cell lines established from transgenic mice and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) expressing SV40Tag under control of tetracycline/doxycycline (tet-off, tet-on) are described. Several cell lines were further transfected with a plasmid vector containing genes coding for a cytokine/protein under tet-regulation to obtain tet-co-regulated expression of cytokine/protein. A total of 29 clones and 234 subclones have been established so far. Partial characterization of these tet-responsive cell lines, clones and subclones was performed. Questions related to the rare frequency of establishing permanent cycling cell lines from this source, the unusual expression pattern of SV40Tag protein in the subcellular compartment and the phenotype of 'stemness' of several such cell lines are raised. Some future applications of these cells, related to immunology and transplantation, are discussed.