The Immortalized Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (SIK) were derived from a sample of human foreskin and the serial cultivation of keratinocytes led to its spontaneous immortalization. The immortalized cells resemble normal human epidermal colonies but with dramatically increased levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin A. Treatment of the Immortalized Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (SIK) with either TGF-f or TPA were highly effective in preventing growth in low calcium medium which is similar to normal keratinocytes. Telomerase activity in the immortalized cells is stimulated approximately 5-fold by cultivation in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The Immortalized Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (SIK) is useful in studies focusing on dermatology particularly in skin carcinogenesis as telomerase activation in human skin has been found to be associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Immortalization Method: Spontaneous immortalization
BioSafety Level: II
Species: Human
Source Organ: Foreskin
Growth Properties: Adherent
Morphology: Polygonal
Population Doubling: N/A
Seeding Density: Thaw entire contents into an appropriate T25 flask as specified in the Propagation instructions.
Markers: N/A
Donor Age: N/A
Donor Gender: Male
Donor Ethnicity: N/A
Propagation: The base medium for this cell line is Prigrow IV medium available at abm (TM004). To make the completed growth medium, add the following components to the base medium: fetal bovine serum (TM999)* to final concentration of 5% and Penicillin/Streptomycin Solution (G255) to a final concentration of 1%. Carbon dioxide (CO2): 5%, Temperature: +37.0°C.* abm does not recommend to use heat-inactivated FBS for cell culture unless specified otherwise.
Quality Control: 1) Chromosomal analysis; 2) Immunoblotting of cell cycle control proteins; 3) Telomerase activity using telomeric repeat amplification protocol
Shipping Condition: Dry Ice
Storage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C