The use of Chick Embryo Fibroblasts in Biotechnology

Chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) are a type of cells derived from the connective tissue of chick embryos. These cells have been extensively used in biotechnology and various fields of research due to their unique characteristics and versatility. Their importance in biotechnology almost rivals that of baby hamster kidney cells.

Hernandez and Brown (2010) describe the culturing of CEFs at a laboratory scale. 

The key applications of chick embryo fibroblasts in biotechnology are:

Virus production

CEF cells are commonly used for virus production and propagation. They provide an ideal environment for viral replication due to their high metabolic activity and ability to support a wide range of viruses. CEF cells have been used in the production of vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine and some viral vectors used in gene therapy.

Vaccine Development

Chick embryo fibroblasts have been utilized in the production of vaccines against several diseases. These cells are often infected with a virus that has been attenuated or inactivated to produce a viral antigen that can stimulate an immune response. This approach has been successful in developing vaccines against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and yellow fever.

Cell Culture Studies

CEF cells are frequently employed in cell culture studies to investigate various aspects of cell biology and molecular biology. They serve as a valuable model for studying cell proliferation, differentiation, and signaling pathways. Researchers can manipulate the growth conditions and genetic makeup of CEF cells to understand fundamental cellular processes and develop new therapies.

Transfection and Gene Expression

Chick embryo fibroblasts are widely used for the introduction of foreign genetic material into cells, a process known as transfection. These cells can be transfected with DNA or RNA constructs to express specific proteins or study gene function. CEF cells have been instrumental in advancing the understanding of gene regulation, protein synthesis, and the development of gene therapies.

Toxicity Testing

CEF cells have been utilized in toxicity testing to evaluate the potential adverse effects of chemicals, drugs, and environmental agents. Researchers can expose CEF cells to various substances and assess their impact on cell viability, proliferation, and morphology. This information helps in determining the safety profiles of different compounds.

Biomedical Research

Chick embryo fibroblasts have contributed significantly to biomedical research. They have been used in studies related to cancer biology and cardiovascular tissue research (Kain et al., 2014), stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. These cells provide fascinating insights into cellular behavior and responses, facilitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Examples include wound healing (Nodder et al., 1997).

It is important to note that the use of chick embryo fibroblasts, like any other cell line, should always be conducted ethically and in compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

References

Hernandez, R., & Brown, D. T. (2010). Growth and maintenance of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF). Current Protocols in Microbiology, 17(1), A-4I (Article). 

Kain, K. H., Miller, J. W., Jones‐Paris, C. R., Thomason, R. T., Lewis, J. D., Bader, D. M., … & Zijlstra, A. (2014). The chick embryo as an expanding experimental model for cancer and cardiovascular research. Developmental Dynamics, 243(2), pp. 216-228 (Article).

Nodder, S., & Martin, P. (1997). Wound healing in embryos: a review. Brain Structure and Function, 195(3), pp. 215.