The importance of utilization of authenticated cell lines in researches

A very significant progression in scientific researches has been provided with the performance of the first cultures of HeLa cell lines in 1951. Currently, cell cultures are commonly utilized in cancer investigations and the field of virology. Although it has been known that cell lines are contaminated cross-wise or misidentified over a 45-year period, publications by those unaware of this condition with invalid results are still being seen in the scientific literature. This condition reflects a loss of time and money. Furthermore, investigators and journal editors will face controversy due to the unacceptable results of these studies. This problem can be avoided with the utilization of authenticated cell lines and identification of properties of available cells in future studies. However, investigators should be made aware of this issue and of the solutions. A short history of cross-contamination and misidentification of cell lines, the possible causes and means of prevention are discussed in this letter to call attention to this issue.