Human Cervical Microvascular Endothelial Cells

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus and functions to promote fertility and protect the female reproductive tract and fetus from potential pathogens. In addition, the cervix plays a critical role in childbirth by effacing and dilating to allow the baby to pass out of the uterus. Vascular endothelial cells lining the blood vessels actively participate in many vital biological processes. Cervical Microvascular Endothelial Cells (CerMEC) limit the passage of cellular and soluble substances between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissues. CerMEC also play critical roles in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and the inflammatory response. CerMEC angiogenesis has been shown to contribute to the progression of cervical cancer. Recent studies suggest that CerMEC may even initiate signaling events which directly promote tumor growth. Cultured human CerMEC (HCerMEC) are a useful model to elucidate the mechanisms of normal and pathological angiogenesis and develop therapeutic treatments for cervical cancer.

HCerMEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human cervix. HCerMEC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HCerMEC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to vWF/Factor VIII and/or CD31 (PECAM). HCerMEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HCerMEC are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Endothelial Cell Medium (ECM, Cat. #1001) for culturing HCerMEC in vitro.