The prostate is a major accessory organ of the male mammalian reproductive system, with structural and functional activities under the control of androgens. The prostate is composed of three compartments, which can be identified by the 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 cytokeratins (CK8 and CK18) and the intermediate cells express a combination of basal and luminal cytokeratins [2]. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that basal epithelial cells differentiate into luminal epithelial cells. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men and it has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Prostate epithelial cell (PrEpiC) culture provides unique opportunities to study many important features of the prostate, as well as, chemical and hormonal carcinogenesis.

HPrEpiC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from normal human prostate tissue. HPrEpiC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HPrEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to cytokeratine (CK-14, -18 and -19). HPrEpiC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HPrEpiC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommeneded Medium

It is recommended to use Prostate Epithelial Cell Medium (PEpiCM, Cat. #4411) for culturing HPrEpiC in vitro.