[Minimally transformed 3T3 cell lines as an object for research on the mechanisms of proliferation]

Abstract

The present review gives a detailed description of mouse cell lines 3T3 (Swiss 3T3, Balb/c 3T3, and NIH 3T3) including their establishment, evolution, growth properties and formation of the specific monolayer with low saturation density. Questionable views of the 3T3 cell origin are discussed. The main features of these continuous cell lines are shown, such as a high requirement for serum growth factors, substrate dependence, inhibition of cell division in dense monolayer and absence of oncogenic potentions, which are similar to those of normal diploid cells, thus making these pseudonormal lines useful in studies of cell proliferation and oncogenesis. Different methods for obtaining quiescent 3T3 cells are observed, and, more in detail, the achievement of the resting state in confluent monolayer and at low serum concentration in sparce culture. The data reporting the efficiency of growth stimulation using serum, purified growth factors and hormones are analysed. Special attention is paid to the susceptibility of 3T3 lines to culture conditions, and to dependence of experimental data obtained upon keeping stability of these conditions.