The HeLa cells are immortal as they have a telomerase enzyme, which prevents the chromosome shortening. This helps prevent cell-based aging and death. In addition, HeLa cell culture proliferates pretty quickly as compared to other cells and has the capacity to contaminate various cell lines.
Given these unique characteristics, HeLa cell culture has helped scientists make various discoveries.
Eradication of Polio
The polio vaccine was formulated in the early 1950s, but it was challenging to study it on a larger scale because the rhesus monkey cells were extremely expensive. For this purpose, HeLa cells were used as hosts, and the scientists were able to create over 20,000 cultures in a week, which helped slow down the polio infection curve.
Enhanced Cell Culture Practices
The utilization of HeLa cell culture in polio vaccines led to the development of new protocols for cell culture, including QC measurements and using the screw-capped and rubber-lined tubes and bottles. In addition, the HeLa cells are temperature sensitive, which helped researchers use novel shipment solutions.
Chromosome Counting
In 1953, there was a lab mix-up in Texas, which helped researchers to visualize and count the chromosomes in HeLa cells. Following this mix-up, the researchers created a specialized technique for straining the chromosomes and counting them, and that’s when everyone knew that human somatic cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes rather than 24 pairs. This has been one of the most important implications in the medical industry since chromosomes can lead to genetic issues.
Genome Mapping
HeLa cells were fused with mouse cells in 1965, which led to the first-ever human-animal hybrid. This was an advanced accomplishment, which actually was the foundation of the Human Genome Project as it helped researchers map genes to particular chromosomes.
