HaCaT

HaCaT is a spontaneously immortalized keratinocyte cell line from adult human skin. It was first established in 1988 by Petra Boukamp and colleagues. HaCaT cells are a valuable model for studying the molecular mechanisms of keratinocyte differentiation, skin development, and diseases.

History

The HaCaT cell line was established in 1988 by Petra Boukamp and colleagues at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany. The cells were derived from the skin of a healthy adult male. The cell line was spontaneously immortalized, meaning it can divide indefinitely in culture without the introduction of viral oncogenes.

Characteristics

HaCaT cells exhibit normal keratinocyte morphology and express keratinocyte-specific markers. They are capable of differentiating in response to changes in the culture environment, such as calcium concentration. Despite their immortal status, HaCaT cells maintain a stable karyotype and do not form tumors when injected into immunodeficient mice.

Applications

HaCaT cells are widely used in research to study the biology of keratinocytes, the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. They are used to investigate skin development, wound healing, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and skin cancer. HaCaT cells are also used in toxicology studies to test the effects of chemicals and drugs on skin cells.

See also

• Keratinocyte
• Cell culture
• Skin cancer
• Psoriasis