The Importance of Cell Lines in Genomics Research

Developments in the fields of genomics, systems biology and translational research demand a reliable source of cellular material. Alternative technologies are available for generating large quantities of DNA; however, the conversion of a blood sample from an individual participant in a biobank or genetic study cohort to a lymphoblastoid cell line ensures a permanent, expandable and renewable supply of genetic and other cellular material, without any requirement to return to the donor.

A cryopreserved cell bank, maintained by an established, specialist organisation, effectively ensures a permanent supply of cellular materials in potentially limitless quantities. Consequently study material can be widely distributed, and will be available many years after the initial study for follow-on studies that may not have been originally anticipated, or which may not be possible with existing technologies.

Increasingly, lymphoblastoid cell lines may be viewed as surrogate tissue for expression studies, where access to appropriate primary tissue is limited. (Dixon et al. (2007). A genome-wide association study of global gene expression. Nature Genetics 39, 1202 - 1207)

In many respects a cell bank can be regarded as a means of immortalising a very valuable study cohort, and is the soundest means of underpinning a genetic collection and maximising its value in the long term