Defining the genetic characteristics of human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 by spectral karyotyping and short tandem repeat genotyping

Objective: The hepatic cell line LX-2 was originally described in 2005 as a novel tool to study mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis and the testing of antifibrotic compounds [1]. It was established by immortalisation with the Simian Vacuolating Virus 40 (SV40) transforming (T) antigen and subsequent propagation in low serum conditions. Although this immortalized line is used in an increasing number of studies [2], a detailed genotypic characterisation that is mandatory for immortalized cell lines is still lacking. Design: In this study we attempt to describe the genetic characteristics and expression attributes o…