Rat Embryonic Fibroblasts (REF) are used to support the growth of rat and human pluripotent stem cells [1]. REF not only provide a substrate for pluripotent stem cells to grow on, but also secrete critical growth factors to maintain stem cell pluripotency. REF are isolated from rat embryos and used at early passages [2]. To serve as feeder cells, REF must be treated with mitomycin C or by irradiation to prevent cell proliferation. The treated cells can also be used to generate conditioned medium for feeder-free culture of pluripotent stem cells.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use DMEM (Cat. No. SC09221) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Cat. No. SC0010, SC0025, SC0500) for culturing REF in vitro.
Product Use
This product is for research use only. It is not approved for use in humans, animals, or in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Storage
Upon receiving, directly and immediately transfer the cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for experiments.
Shipping
Dry ice
Warranty
Cells are only warranted if ScienCell media and reagents are used and the recommended protocols are followed.
References
[1] Bradley, A. (1987). Production and analysis of chimaeras. In Teratocarcinomas and Embryonic Stem Cells: A Practical Approach, (ed. E. J. Robertson), pp. 113-151. Oxford: IRL Press.