The Ethics of HEK 293

Wong, Alvin

doi:10.5840/ncbq20066331

Cited by 15 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…5). Due to ethical doubts about the use of HEK-293T cells in research [21], the protein was produced in COS-7 and purified to homogeneity (cf. Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Identification of Carnosine N-Methyltransferase as Chicken Histamine N-Methyltransferase-Like Protein (HNMT-Like)

et al. 2013

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Anserine (beta-alanyl-N(Pi)-methyl-L-histidine), a naturally occurring derivative of carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine), is an abundant constituent of skeletal muscles and brain of many vertebrates. Although it has long been proposed to serve as a proton buffer, radicals scavenger and transglycating agent, its physiological function remains obscure. The formation of anserine is catalyzed by carnosine N-methyltransferase which exhibits unknown molecular identity. In the present investigation, we have purified carnosine N-methyltransferase from chicken pectoral muscle about 640-fold until three major polypeptides of about 23, 26 and 37 kDa coeluting with the enzyme were identified in the preparation. Mass spectrometry analysis of these polypeptides resulted in an identification of histamine N-methyltransferase-like (HNMT-like) protein as the only meaningful candidate. Analysis of GenBank database records indicated that the hnmt-like gene might be a paralogue of histamine N-methyltransferase gene, while comparison of their protein sequences suggested that HNMT-like protein might have acquired a new activity. Chicken HNMT-like protein was expressed in COS-7 cells, purified to homogeneity, and shown to catalyze the formation of anserine as confirmed by both chromatographic and mass spectrometry analysis. Both specificity and kinetic studies carried out on the native and recombinant enzyme were in agreement with published data. Particularly, several compounds structurally related to carnosine, including histamine and L-histidine, were tested as potential substrates for the enzyme, and carnosine was the only methyl group acceptor. The identification of the gene encoding carnosine N-methyltransferase might be beneficial for estimation of the biological functions of anserine.

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“…5). Due to ethical doubts about the use of HEK-293T cells in research [21], the protein was produced in COS-7 and purified to homogeneity (cf. Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Identification of Carnosine N-Methyltransferase as Chicken Histamine N-Methyltransferase-Like Protein (HNMT-Like)

et al. 2013

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“…In contrast, the use of COS-1 as a packaging cell line would be useful for small-volume production of relatively high-quality lentiviral reagents without involving the virus enrichment and/or purification steps. It would also be worth mentioning here that the use of HEK293 cells and derivatives including HEK293T cells is considered ethically wrong by those seeking a ban on the use of these cells, like the ban on the use of human embryonic stem cells (Pruss, 2004;Luno, 2006;Pontifical Academy for Life, 2006;Wong, 2006). This is because HEK293 cells were originally isolated from an aborted human embryo, possibly using clinical procedures that differed from the standard commonly accepted today.…”

Section: Background Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It would also be worth mentioning here that the use of HEK293 cells and derivatives including HEK293T cells is considered ethically wrong by those seeking a ban on the use of these cells, like the ban on the use of human embryonic stem cells (Pruss, ; Luno, ; Pontifical Academy for Life, ; Wong, ). This is because HEK293 cells were originally isolated from an aborted human embryo, possibly using clinical procedures that differed from the standard commonly accepted today.…”

Section: Commentarymentioning

confidence: 99%

COS‐1 Cells as Packaging Host for Production of Lentiviruses

MacKenzie

Shioda

2011

CP Cell Biology

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We present a protocol for in vitro production of recombinant lentiviruses using COS‐1 African green monkey kidney epithelial cells and HEK293T human embryonic kidney epithelial cells as packaging cells. COS‐1 and HEK293T express SV40 large T antigen, amplifying transfected circular plasmids harboring SV40 replication origin. Support protocols for evaluation of transfection efficiency by in situ β‐galactosidase enzyme activity assay and titer of infection‐capable virions are also provided. Advantages of using COS‐1 packaging cells over the standard HEK293T cells for contamination‐sensitive applications or automated processing are discussed. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 50:26.7.1‐26.7.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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“…Over the past half century, there has been a progressive secularization of biotechnology with the experimentation of aborted fetal tissue, biomanufacturing that uses fetal cells, and embryonic stem cell research. The use of these morally illicit tissues and cells has resulted in the use of these cells in pharmaceutical drug development for a variety of products such as vaccines, biologics, gene therapy, and cell therapy (Graham et al 1977;Naso et al 2017;Pau et al 2001;Wong 2006). The latter includes therapies that are directly or indirectly using embryonic stem cells or fetal stem cells from abortions (Mehat et al 2018;Mazzini et al 2019).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Creating Catholic Regenerative Medicine Organizations in a Secular Biotechnology Field: A Physician-Scientist Experience

Moy

2019

Linacre Q

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One aspect of the progressive secularization of biotechnology is the use of the by-products from abortion and the use of human embryos. These morally illicit cells and tissue create a significant moral and economic challenge for Catholics at different stages of their career. A practicing Catholic physician or scientific professional will face the dilemma of how to reconcile their Catholic identity with their profession. While the Catechism is clear on what actions Catholics should not pursue, there has been less religious guidance on what activities Catholics should proactively pursue in their professional life to advance the Catholic culture. This essay will examine these themes through the lens of a true story of the author’s experience in starting Catholic for-profit and nonprofit biotechnology organizations. Summary: Abortion and the destruction of human embryos create a moral dilemma for Catholics at different stages of a physician or scientist's career. A practicing Catholic physician or scientist must reconcile their Catholic identity with their profession. While there is little professional guidance on how to advance the culture, Jesus says that one must take up the cross and direct their God-given gifts towards His name. The only way to succeed and thrive in a secular healthcare environment is to emulate Jesus by putting aside their own self-interest; pray for courage against ridicule; accept risk; and pursue scientific and medical excellence.

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The Ethics of HEK 293

Cited by 15 publications

References 4 publications

Molecular Identification of Carnosine N-Methyltransferase as Chicken Histamine N-Methyltransferase-Like Protein (HNMT-Like)

Molecular Identification of Carnosine N-Methyltransferase as Chicken Histamine N-Methyltransferase-Like Protein (HNMT-Like)

COS‐1 Cells as Packaging Host for Production of Lentiviruses

Creating Catholic Regenerative Medicine Organizations in a Secular Biotechnology Field: A Physician-Scientist Experience

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