HEK293 cells are human embryonic kidney cells that are commonly used in biomedical research. They were derived from a healthy human embryonic kidney in 1973 and have been extensively studied and characterized since then.
HEK293 cells are useful in research because they are easy to grow and manipulate in the laboratory. They can be grown in culture and are highly proliferative, meaning that they can divide and multiply quickly. They are also easily transfected, meaning that they can be genetically modified with exogenous DNA.
HEK293 cells have a number of characteristics that make them useful in research. They are able to express a wide range of proteins, including proteins that are involved in signaling pathways, ion channels, and receptor-mediated responses. They are also able to form structures similar to those found in human tissues, such as cell-cell junctions and tight junctions.
HEK293 cells are commonly used in research on a variety of topics, including drug discovery, gene expression, and protein-protein interactions. They are also used as a model system for studying the biology of human cells and for developing cell-based therapies.
Additionally, HEK293 cells are used in the production of biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. They are able to produce large amounts of these molecules, which can be purified and used for research or therapeutic purposes.