Sigma-Aldrich Product Name BeWo Cell Line human, 86082803 biological source human placenta descripti

Human choriocarcinoma

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 (Sigma catalogue number 92120308); JEG3 was established by serial cloning of BeWo.

Hormone studies

Human BeWo cell line has been used to study the effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) on the proliferation and gene transcription in the BeWo trophoblast cell line. It has also been used to study placental transfer of highly purified non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in BeWo cells.[1][2]

STR-PCR Data: Amelogenin: X,Y
CSF1PO: 11,12
D13S317: 9,11
D16S539: 13,14
D5S818: 10,11
D7S820: 10,12
THO1: 9,9.3
TPOX: 8
vWA: 16

Ham′s F12 + 2mM Glutamine + 10% Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS).

Split sub-confluent cultures (70-80%) 1:3 i.e. seeding at 4x10,000 cells/cm² using 0.25% trypsin/EDTA; 5% CO₂; 37°C; medium change or subculture every 24-48 hours necessary.

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