Isolation of Biopsy-Derived, Human Cervical Keratinocytes Propagated as Monolayer and Organoid Cultures

Sci Rep. 2018 Dec 14;8(1):17869. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36150-4.

Abstract

The successful isolation and propagation of patient-derived keratinocytes from cervical lesions constitute a more appropriate model of cervical disease than traditional cervical cancer-derived cell lines such as SiHa and CaSki. Our aim was to streamline the growth of patient-obtained, cervical keratinocytes into a reproducible process. We performed an observational case series study with 60 women referred to colposcopy for a diagnostic biopsy. Main outcome measures were how many samples could be passaged at least once (n = 11), and where enough cells could be established, to precisely define their proliferation profile over time (n = 3). Altering cell culture conditions over those reported by other groups markedly improved outcomes. We were also successful in making freeze backs which could be resuscitated to successfully propagate multi-layered, organoids from cervical keratinocytes (n = 3). For best results, biopsy-intrinsic factors such as size and tissue digestion appear to be major variables. This seems to be the first systematic report with a well characterized and defined sample size, detailed protocol, and carefully assessed cell yield and performance. This research is particularly impactful for constituting a sample repository-on-demand for appropriate disease modelling and drug screening under the umbrella of personalized health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy*
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cervix Uteri / cytology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / physiology*
  • Organoids / growth & development*
  • Primary Cell Culture*
  • Serial Passage

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