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Writer's pictureNikki Elmi

HeLa Cells: The Immortals

By Nikki Elmi


HeLa cells are a line of human cells that have been used extensively in scientific research due to their unique ability to divide indefinitely under laboratory conditions. They were first cultured in 1951 from a cervical tumor biopsy taken from Henrietta Lacks, a patient undergoing cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The name "HeLa" is derived from the first two letters of Lacks’ first and last names. These cells became the first "immortal" human cell line, meaning they can proliferate indefinitely in vitro, and have since played a vital role in numerous scientific breakthroughs.


HeLa cells are unique because they bypass the natural limits of cellular division, known as the Hayflick limit. This ability is primarily attributed to the activation of telomerase, an enzyme that prevents the shortening of telomeres during cell division. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that erode with each division, leading to cellular aging and eventual death. Additionally, HeLa cells harbor genetic mutations caused by the integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA into their genome. These mutations drive uncontrolled proliferation and contribute to their immortality. This combination of telomerase activity and genetic alterations makes HeLa cells an invaluable model for studying cancer biology and cellular mechanisms.



The robust and adaptable nature of HeLa cells has made them a cornerstone of biomedical research. They have been instrumental in the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and genetic engineering techniques. HeLa cells are also widely used to test drug efficacy, study cellular responses to toxins, and investigate the mechanisms of various diseases. Beyond medical applications, they have been employed in space biology experiments to study the effects of microgravity on human cells. Their versatility and rapid growth allow researchers to conduct experiments that would be otherwise impossible with primary human cells.


Future studies with HeLa cells are poised to explore deeper into personalized medicine, drug development, and regenerative therapies. Researchers aim to use HeLa cells to refine treatments for genetic disorders and develop advanced gene-editing technologies. Additionally, HeLa cells continue to serve as a model for studying cancer metastasis and resistance mechanisms, offering insights into more effective therapies. Their contributions have transformed our understanding of biology and medicine, and their legacy will undoubtedly influence future advancements in scientific research.





References:

  • Chiorini, J. A. (2023). HeLa Cells: Their Role in Medicine and Their Mechanisms of Immortality. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

  • Green, H. (2019). Understanding HeLa Cells: The Science Behind Their Immortality. Cell Biology Reports. https://www.cellbioreports.com/

  • Khin, M. (2020). Telomerase and the Immortality of HeLa Cells: A Biological Perspective. Journal of Cancer Research. https://www.jcr.org/

  • Mast, P. (2021). HeLa Cells and Their Use in Modern Research. Biomedical Insights, 29(4), 453-460. https://www.biomedicalinsights.com/

  • Taylor, J. R. (2022). HeLa Cells and Their Impact on Science and Medicine. Journal of Molecular Biology, 78(1), 121-134. https://www.jmb.org/

  • Wang, L. (2018). The Hayflick Limit and Cellular Aging: Implications for Cancer and Aging Research. Aging Cell, 17(2), e12876. https://www.agingcell.com/ Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board


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