Molecular Growth Requirements of Single Mammalian Cells

Abstract

Two purified serum protein fractions, fetuin and serum albumin, will replace whole or dialyzed serum in supporting the growth of single S3 HeLa cells in an otherwise chemically defined nutrient solution. In the serum-free medium, single S3 cells will form macroscopic colonies with essentially 100 per cent efficiency. The generation time of S3 cells in the serum-free medium is approximately 50 per cent greater than that observed in an optimal, serum-containing medium. All components of the serum-free medium are available commercially, except fetuin, which can easily be prepared in substantial quantities. The problem of the purity of the protein preparations and of their possible roles in promoting cell growth is discussed.

A Diffusible Factor Which Sustains Contact Inhibition of Replication

“…Many previous studies of factors in mammalian cell replication have emphasized serum macromolecular components such as glycoproteins (14), fetuin (6,15), or alphaglobulins (12). While these factors are all stimulatory for in vitro cell multiplication, the present study emphasizes a regulation through the inhibitory effect of a diffusible substance.…”

A tribute to Dr. Gordon Hisashi Sato (December 24, 1927–March 31, 2017)

“…Puck was interested in adapting the quantitative analytical techniques developed by phage biologists to studies of mammalian cells in culture. Gordon's first studies on mammalian cell culture focused on the growth requirements of Dr. Gordon Hisashi Sato (December 24, 1927-March 31, 2017 HeLa cells (Sato et al 1957;Fisher et al 1958Fisher et al , 1959. This interest in mammalian cell growth requirements and mammalian cell physiology would continue for the rest of his scientific career.…”

Biomedical advances from tissue culture

“…While functional differentiated cell lines were being established, compositions of tissue culture media were being optimized by researchers such as Harry Eagle et al (1956), Puck and Sato (Fisher et al 1959), and Ham (1965). This research began replacing undefined tissue extracts, blood clots and whole animal sera with amino acids, glucose, small organic molecules, vitamins, trace elements, lipids and purified proteins.…”