ChaGO-k-1

The ChaGo-K-1 cell line is a clonal derivative of the ChaGo human bronchogenic carcinoma line, which was originally established from a primary lung tumor. This subline was developed through single-cell cloning of the parent ChaGo population, specifically selected for its elevated secretion of the α-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG-α), a placental glycoprotein hormone subunit that is not typically produced by lung epithelial cells. In detailed hormone profiling, ChaGo-K-1 was shown to secrete extremely high levels of free HCG-α (approximately 290 pmol/day/mg protein), while secreting negligible levels of intact HCG or the β-subunit. This indicates that the cell line ectopically expresses HCG-α in the absence of normal trophoblastic function, a feature characteristic of some tumors exhibiting hormonal dysregulation.

Cytogenetic analysis of ChaGo-K-1 revealed a hyperdiploid karyotype with a modal chromosome number between 51 and 54, indicating chromosomal instability, which is typical of many human cancer cell lines. Importantly, electron microscopy demonstrated no evidence of mycoplasma contamination or viral particles, supporting the cell line’s integrity and suitability for research. The unique ability of ChaGo-K-1 to ectopically secrete HCG-α at levels exceeding even the eutopic secretion of intact HCG by placental tumor cells (e.g., JEG-3) suggests that the mechanisms regulating glycoprotein hormone subunit expression can be co-opted or dysregulated in non-placental malignancies. This property makes ChaGo-K-1 an important model for studying ectopic hormone production, oncogenic dedifferentiation, and tumor-associated glycoprotein signaling.

37°C, 5% CO₂, humidified atmosphere.

1. Confirm that the vial remains deeply frozen upon delivery, as cells are shipped on dry ice to maintain optimal temperatures during transit.

2. Upon receipt, either store the cryovial immediately at temperatures below -150°C to ensure the preservation of cellular integrity, or proceed to step 3 if immediate culturing is required.

3. For immediate culturing, swiftly thaw the vial by immersing it in a 37°C water bath with clean water and an antimicrobial agent, agitating gently for 40-60 seconds until a small ice clump remains.

4. Perform all subsequent steps under sterile conditions in a flow hood, disinfecting the cryovial with 70% ethanol before opening.

5. Carefully open the disinfected vial and transfer the cell suspension into a 15 ml centrifuge tube containing 8 ml of room-temperature culture medium, mixing gently.

6. Centrifuge the mixture at 300 x g for 3 minutes to separate the cells and carefully discard the supernatant containing residual freezing medium.

7. Gently resuspend the cell pellet in 10 ml of fresh culture medium. For adherent cells, divide the suspension between two T25 culture flasks; for suspension cultures, transfer all the medium into one T25 flask to promote effective cell interaction and growth.

8. Adhere to established subculture protocols for continued growth and maintenance of the cell line, ensuring reliable experimental outcomes.

Mycoplasma contamination is excluded using both PCR-based assays and luminescence-based mycoplasma detection methods.

To ensure there is no bacterial, fungal, or yeast contamination, cell cultures are subjected to daily visual inspections.

For long-term preservation, place vials in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen at about −150 to −196 °C. Storage at −80 °C is acceptable only as a short interim step before transfer to liquid nitrogen.

Cryopreserved cell lines are shipped on dry ice in validated, insulated packaging with sufficient refrigerant to maintain approximately −78 °C throughout transit. On receipt, inspect the container immediately and transfer vials without delay to appropriate storage.

At Cytion, we stand behind the quality and viability of our products. We guarantee that our cells will be viable at the start of culture for 60 days after shipment from our facilities. We assure that all materials conform to the specifications described in the Certificate of Analysis and/or Product Sheet.

For full details, please refer to our Warranty Statement.