Mini Review
Persistent use of “false” cell lines
Marc Lacroix,
Corresponding Author
Marc Lacroix
InTextoResearch, Baelen, Wallonia, Belgium
Fax: ++32-87-762863.
InTextoResearch, 4 chemin de Hoevel, B-4837 Baelen, Wallonie, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author
Marc Lacroix,
Corresponding Author
Marc Lacroix
InTextoResearch, Baelen, Wallonia, Belgium
Fax: ++32-87-762863.
InTextoResearch, 4 chemin de Hoevel, B-4837 Baelen, Wallonie, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorAbstract
From HeLa and its multiple identities, to MDA-MB-435, erroneously and widely used as breast cancer cells, the history of cancer cell lines is rich in misidentification and cross-contamination events. Despite the fact that these problems were regularly signaled during the last decades, many actors of research still seem to ignore them. A never-ending story? Solutions exist, notably based on recent technical advances in cell line authentication (short tandem repeat analysis). However, a collaborative action involving users of cell lines, cell banks, journals and funding agencies is needed to achieve success. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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