Description: The first human, trophoblastic endocrine cell type to be maintained in continuous culture. It was initiated from a malignant gestational choriocarcinoma of the foetal placenta. The cells secrete placental hormones including chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), polypeptide hormones, lactogen, estrogenic and progestational steroids, estrone, estradiol, estriol and progesterone. A high rate of hCG Synthesis has been shown. Cellular differentiation of this stem cell type occurs when hormonal precursors are added to the medium. Due to the high glycolytic activity the cells have to be sub-cultured or supplied with fresh media every 24-48 hours to prevent glucose exhaustion. BeWo has the same DNA profile as JEG3 (ECACC catalogue number 92120308); JEG3 was established by serial cloning of BeWo (see Pattillo & Gey 1968 PMID: 4299001).

Also Known As:

Species: Human

Tissue: Placenta

Growth Properties: Adherent

Morphology: Epithelial

Growth Medium: Ham’s F12 + 2mM Glutamine + 10% Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS).

Subculturing Procedure: Split sub-confluent cultures (70-80%) 1:3 i.e. seeding at 2-4×10,000 cells/cm² using 0.25% trypsin/EDTA; 5% CO2; 37°C; medium change or subculture every 24-48 hours necessary.

Release Conditions: No

Depositor:

Originator: No

References: Pattillo RA, Gey GO.1968 The establishment of a cell line of human hormone-synthesizing trophoblastic cells in vitro. Cancer Res. 28(7):1231-6 PMID: 4299001

Hyperlink to ECACC Cell Line Data Sheet: 86082803