Immortalized Rat Retinal Precursor Cells (R28)

The Immortalized Rat Retinal Precursor Cell Line (R28) is derived from postnatal day 6 Sprague-Dawley rat retinal tissue immortalized with the 12S E1A gene of adenovirus. Studies have shown that this cell line possesses retinal neurotransmitter receptors that can respond to neurotransmitter stimulation (i.e. dopamine, serotonin, glycine and acetylcholine) and subpopulations are immunoreactive to GluR1, 2 and 3, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and γ-aminobutyric acid-a (GABAa). In addition, neurite growth can be promoted by varying the culture medium condition.The heterogeneity of this Immortalized Rat Retinal Precursor Cell Line provides a diversity of cell types in which more closely simulate a retinal explant and offers differentiation potentials useful in studies involving retinal function. Recently a http://www.hindawi.com/journals/dpis/2013/261063/ "> microarray dataset of R28 cells is published describing the presence and absence of 8799 genes and ESTs that may relevant for investigators with an interest in using this cell line for a particular molecular analysis.

Immortalization Method: Serial passaging and transduction with retroviruses carrying 12S E1A gene

BioSafety Level: II

Species: Rat

Source Organ: Retinal Tissue

Growth Properties: Adherent

Morphology: Other

Population Doubling: 39.5 hours

Seeding Density: Recommended split ratio of 1:2 to 1:3

Markers: IRBP, S-antigen

Donor Age: N/A

Donor Gender: N/A

Donor Ethnicity: N/A

Propagation: The base medium for this cell line is DMEM. To make the completed growth medium, add the following components to the base medium: fetal bovine serum (TM999)* to a final concentration and Penicillin/Streptomycin Solution (G255) to a final concentration of 1%.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂): 5%, Temperature: +37.0°C.

To promote neurite growth, culture the cells in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum (TM999)* and 250 M pCPT-cyclic AMP.
* abm does not recommend to use heat-inactivated FBS for cell culture unless specified otherwise.

Quality Control: 1) Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were used to confirm the E1A transgene expression
2) RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to assess the expression of the photoreceptor specific marker S-antigen and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP)

Shipping Condition: Dry Ice

Storage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C