SK-UT-1

The SK-UT-1 cell line is derived from human uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), a highly aggressive form of cancer originating in the smooth muscle of the uterus. This cell line is a key model for studying tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in ULMS. SK-UT-1 cells exhibit features of sarcomas, including rapid proliferation, poor differentiation, and resistance to conventional therapies. In particular, they are used to investigate cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which play a significant role in cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. Research has identified a subpopulation of CD133+ CSCs within SK-UT-1 cells, which demonstrate enhanced self-renewal, colony formation, and resistance to apoptosis.

Studies using SK-UT-1 have focused on characterizing the CD133+ CSCs, revealing their ability to form tumorspheres, a feature indicative of stem cell-like behavior. This subpopulation shows increased tumorigenic potential in vivo, where even a small number of cells (10⁴) are sufficient to initiate tumor formation in xenograft models. The CD133+ cells exhibit resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, which further supports their role in therapy resistance. Additionally, elevated levels of CSC-related markers, including CD44, ALDH1, and BMI1, were found in CD133+ cells compared to their CD133− counterparts, confirming their role as cancer stem cells.

SK-UT-1 cells have become a vital tool in understanding ULMS progression and in developing potential therapeutic strategies. Targeting the CD133+ cancer stem-like cell population within these tumors may offer a promising approach to improve outcomes in patients with ULMS by addressing the root causes of metastasis and chemoresistance.

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.