Cell Specification
The prostate is a major accessory organ of the male mammalian reproductive system whose structure and functional activities are under the control of androgens. It is composed of three compartments that are distinguished by their cytokeratin expression profile [1]. The basal cells express predominantly high molecular weight cytokeratins (CK5 and CK14), the luminal secretory cells express predominantly low molecular weight cytokeratin (CK8 and CK18) and the intermediate cells express a combination of basal and luminal cytokeratins [2]. There is increasing evidence that basal epithelial cells differentiate into luminal epithelial cells. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men and a significant cause of death for elderly men. The prostate epithelial cell culture provides unique opportunities to study many important features of the prostate as well as chemical and hormonal carcinogenesis.

HPEpiC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human normal prostate tissue. HPEpiC are cryopreserved either at primary or passage one cultures and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HPEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with cytokeratine antibodies (CK-14, -18 and -19). HPEpiC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HPEpiC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings in the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Prostate Epithelial Cell Medium (PEpiCM, Cat No 4411) for expanding HPEpiC in vitro.

Product Use
HPEpiC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage
Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture needed for experiments.

Shipping
Dry ice.

Reference
[1] van Leenders G, Dijkman H, Hulsbergen-van de Kaa C, Ruiter D, Schalken J: Demonstration of intermediate cells during human prostate epithelial differentiation in situ and in vitro using triple-staining confocal scanning microscopy. Lab Invest 2000, 80:1251-1258.
[2] Sherwood ER, Berg LA, Mitchell NJ, McNeal JE, Kozlowski JM, Lee C: Differential cytokeratin expression in normal, hyperplastic and malignant epithelial cells from human prostate. J Urol 1990, 143:167-171.