Background

Cell lines are a convenient and stable source of identical cells in biomedical research. Probably the best known example are HeLa cells which have been used in cancer research for decades. There are also cell lines that can be used as simple models of the brain. These usually show activity of many but not all the genes normally made in the brain. Picking the right cell line is important to ensure research is translatable. MicroRNAs are an important class of gene that regulate levels of proteins in cells. Here, we aimed to find out which of the several common cell lines used in brain research had the most similar microRNA profile to the brain.

Research

We used a gene detection technology that measured levels of 750 microRNAs at once in three different neuron-like cell lines (HT22, N2A and SH-Sy5y) and we compared the findings to the microRNAs produced by actual neurons and brain tissue. Each cell line had many that overlapped as well as a set of unique microRNAs. The HT22 cell line was found to be the most similar overall.

Impact

The findings provide useful reference data on microRNAs in these different cell lines which will help researchers decide the most appropriate. Ultimately, the study helps ensure that we are using the best models possible for brain research.