GIMEN

The GIMEN cell line is derived from the bone marrow metastasis of a young child diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. These cells are classified as N-type, which typically indicates a neuroblastic phenotype characterized by high cell density, neuronal properties, and the capability for extensive neurite outgrowth in culture. The establishment of the GIMEN cell line provides a valuable model for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying aggressive forms of neuroblastoma, particularly those associated with metastatic dissemination.

Functionally, GIMEN cells exhibit notable interactions with various cytokines and growth factors. Specifically, their growth is inhibited by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a cytokine known for its antiproliferative effects on certain cancer cells. Furthermore, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) demonstrates an antimitogenic effect on these cells, which can be reversed by the addition of IFN-gamma. This reversal suggests a complex interplay between these factors in modulating cell proliferation. Additionally, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) enhances the antimitogenic effects of FGF-2, indicating its potential role in the regulation of tumor growth dynamics in the neuroblastoma microenvironment. These interactions highlight the GIMEN cell line's utility in exploring the impact of cytokines and growth factors on neuroblastoma progression and response to therapy.

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.