Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells

The mammalian lens consists of two cell types, lens fiber cells which form the bulk of the lens, and a monolayer of epithelial cells that cover the anterior surface of the fibers. Lens epithelial cells (LEpiC) are responsible for homeostasis regulation of the lens, including electrolyte and fluid transport. Under normal development, LEpiC progressively differentiate and mature. LEpiC then migrate from the equatorial region into the interior of the lens to produce transparent crystallins, elongate to form lens fiber cells, and eventually lose their nuclei and other organelles. Studies have shown that LEpiC differentiation and lens polarization are regulated by growth factors present in the ocular fluids, such as epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin growth factor, and insulin. Misregulation of LEpiC leads to the development of ocular diseases such as cataracts. Bovine LEpiC (BLEpiC) can be used to eludicate the mechanisms involved in the opacification of the lens. 

BLEpiC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from the bovine lens. BLEpiC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. BLEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to cytokeratin-18. BLEpiC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. BLEpiC are guaranteed to further culture in the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, BLEpiC are not recommended for long-term cultures due to limited expansion capacity and senescence after subculturing. 

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Epithelial Cell Medium-animal (EpiCM-a, Cat. #4131) for culturing BLEpiC in vitro.