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Reference.org
HEK 293 cells
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<p>Human embryonic kidney 293 cells, also often referred to as HEK 293, HEK-293, 293 cells, are an <a href="/facts/Immortalised_cell_line/X4fClRIf">immortalised cell line</a> derived from HEK cells isolated from a female fetus in the 1970s. </p><p>The HEK 293 cell line has been widely used in research for decades due to its reliable and fast growth and propensity for <a href="/facts/Transfection/R94fLSQF">transfection</a>. The cell line is used by the <a href="/facts/Biotechnology/8eFnI6FB">biotechnology</a> industry to produce therapeutic proteins and <a href="/facts/Viruses/mf88Bcbl">viruses</a> for <a href="/facts/Gene_therapy/CaxRLfKM">gene therapy</a> as well as safety testing for a vast array of chemicals. </p>