Isozyme characterization of 28 cell lines from five insect species

Abstract

Correct identity of cell lines is essential for their use in any investigation; isozyme patterns of cell cultures can give reliable identification. Starch gel electrophoresis was used to develop isozyme profiles of 8 hymenopteran and 20 lepidopteran cell lines and of the insect species from which they were developed. Species identity of 26 of the cell lines was confirmed. For nine of the cell lines these results support the identity established by serological and chromosomal analyses. For the remaining cell lines they provide the first confirmation of species identity. Isozyme profiles of several cell lines from the same species showed unique characteristics that will be useful in monitoring their identity. Two cell lines (IPRI-OL-7 and IPRI-OL-11) considered to be from Orgyia leucostigma appear to contain isozymes of Choristoneura fumiferana. Other supporting evidence and possible causes of this contamination are discussed. These results demonstrate the usefulness of isozyme profiles for the identification and monitoring of cell cultures.