BEAS-2B Cells - BEAS-2B Cells in Respiratory Disease Research: A Comprehensive Guide
BEAS-2B is an immortalized and non-tumorigenic human lung epithelial cell line. It is an extensively used in vitro model to study lung cells' response to various carcinogens and toxicants. In addition, it is a valuable research tool for studying different respiratory infections and diseases, such as COVID-19 and lung carcinomas.
In this article, we will discuss almost all aspects of the BEAS-2B lung cell line, including its origin, cell culture information, advantages, disadvantages, and applications in research. Notably, we will go through:
- Origin and general characteristics of the BEAS-2B cells
- BEAS-2B cell line: Culturing information
- Advantages & disadvantages of BEAS-2B cells
- Applications of BEAS-2B cell line in research
- BEAS-2B cells: Research publications
- Cell culture protocols
1. Origin and general characteristics of the BEAS-2B cells
The first thing you look for in a cell line is its origin and general characteristics. Herein, you will learn the salient features and origin of BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. You will study: What is the BEAS-2B lung cell line? What type of cells is Beas 2B? What is the origin of BEAS-2B cells?
- BEAS-2B, the bronchial epithelium cell line, was developed from a non-cancerous human lung tissue in 1988 by Curtis C. Harris' group [1].
- BEAS-2B cells possess an epithelial-like morphology.
HBEpC Vs BEAS-2B
HBEpC are human bronchial epithelial primary cells. Similar to BEAS-2B, they are normal human bronchial epithelial cells. However, they have a limited life span compared to immortalized BEAS-2B. Both cell lines can be used to study pulmonary biology, toxicology, and disease modelling.
2. BEAS-2B cell line: Culturing information
Culturing information from a cell line can make your work easy with it. In this article section, you will learn all the basics for culturing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. Notably, we will know: What is the BEAS-2B doubling time? What is BEAS-2B media? Is the BEAS-2B cell line adherent? How do you culture BEAS-2B cells?
Key Points for Culturing BEAS-2B Cells
|
Doubling Time: |
The BEAS-2B population doubling time is approximately 26 hours. |
|
Adherent or in Suspension: |
BEAS-2B is an epithelial-like adherent cell line. |
|
Cell density: |
The cell density recommended for the BEAS-2B cell line is 1 to 2 × 104 cells/cm2. Adherent BEAS-2B cells are rinsed with phosphate buffer saline and incubated with Accutase at ambient temperature for a few minutes. After the cells dissociate, fresh media is added, and cells are collected through centrifugation. Harvested cells are carefully resuspended and poured into the new flask for growth. |
|
Growth Medium: |
BEGM (Bronchial Epithelial Cell Growth Medium) media containing 10% fetal bovine serum is used for culturing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. The media should be replaced every 2 to 3 days. |
|
Growth Conditions: |
BEAS-2B culture is maintained at 37°C in a humidified incubator with a continuous supply of 5% CO2. |
|
Storage: |
Frozen BEAS-2B cell vials can be stored in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen or an electric freezer below -150°C temperature. |
|
Freezing Process and Medium: |
CM-1 or CM-ACF freezing media are used for freezing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. Cells are frozen by allowing only a 1°C temperature decrease per minute to protect cell viability. This type of method is called slow freezing. |
|
Thawing Process: |
Frozen or cryopreserved BEAS-2B cultures are thawed in a 37°C water bath containing an antimicrobial agent for 40 to 60 seconds. Afterwards, cells are added with media and can directly culture in new flasks or can be centrifuged to remove freezing media components. Then collected cells are resuspended and cultured. In the former case, freezing media is removed after 24 hours. |
|
Biosafety Level: |
Biosafety level 1 laboratories are required for handling BEAS-2B cultures. |
3. Advantages & disadvantages of BEAS-2B cells
Like other cell lines, BEAS-2B cells are also associated with some pros and cons. Some of these are discussed below.
Advantages
The advantages of the BEAS-2B cell line include:
|
Immortalized cell line |
BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cell line has been immortalized. Therefore, it continues to grow without entering senescence. This BEAS-2B cell characteristic eliminates the need for repeated extraction of primary human lung epithelial cells with a shorter life span. |
|
Easy to culture |
BEAS-2B cultures are easily maintainable. Cells effortlessly grow and propagate in standard culture conditions. There are no fussy or complicated cell culturing requirements. |
|
Human origin |
The BEAS-2B cell line has a human origin and relevance. Thus, it is an ideal in vitro model to study human airway epithelial cell responses, behaviour, and processes. |
Disadvantages
The disadvantages associated with the BEAS-2B lung cell line are:
|
Transformed human lung epithelial cells |
BEAS-2B cells are transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B virus, which may change their behaviour and responses compared to original human lung tissue-derived bronchial epithelial cells. |
4. Applications of BEAS-2B cell line in research
BEAS-2B cell line offers several applications in biomedical research. Some common applications of BEAS-2B cells are:
- Toxicology: BEAS-2B cells are frequently used to investigate the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of various toxins, environmental pollutants, and chemicals. Researchers employ this bronchial epithelial cell line to evaluate the harmful effects of these substances on pulmonary health. Besides, they also study the underlying molecular mechanisms. Such as, a study carried out in 2021 assessed the toxicity of cadmium metal in the BEAS-2B cell line. The research findings revealed that cadmium induced cell death and mitochondrial damage in the BEAS-2B lung cell line through modulation of the MAPK signalling pathway [2]. Another study used the BEAS-2B cell line to evaluate the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles under oxidative stress [3].
- Respiratory diseases modelling: BEAS-2B cell line is a great research tool and in vitro model to study respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2. Researchers tend to induce disease-related conditions in the BEAS-2B cell line and study underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. This helps identify potential drug targets and develop personalized therapies. Research conducted in 2022 used the BEAS-2B cell line and studied the role of estrogen and its receptors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings revealed that higher expression of the GPER1 estrogen receptor reduces BEAS-2B SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Therefore, it can be involved in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection or replication [4].
5. BEAS-2B cells: Research publications
The following are some interesting and most cited research studies featuring BEAS-2B cells.
Toxicity of graphene in normal human lung cells (BEAS-2B)
This study was published in 2011 in the Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology. The research proposed that graphite oxide induces apoptosis and cytotoxicity in the normal bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B).
This research article was published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2014). This study explored the therapeutic potential of naringenin, a flavonoid, in the BEAS-2B cell line. The findings suggested that naringenin protects BEAS-2B lung cells against paraquat-induced toxicity or oxidative damage.
This study was published in Inhalation Toxicology (2011). Herein, the researchers assessed the toxicity effect of magnetic nanoparticles with amorphous silica coatings in the BEAS-2B cell line in vitro.
This article in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2022) proposed that ursodeoxycholic acid can hinder abnormal migration of airway epithelial cells and prevent damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 interaction. Thus, it may help restore the epithelial basal layer.
Effects of radon on miR-34a–induced apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells
This study was published in 2019 in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. The research findings state that chronic exposure to radon may promote carcinogenesis in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) by activating microRNA-34a.
6. Cell culture protocols
The cell culture protocol for BEAS-2B cells is mentioned here.
- BEAS-2B subculturing: This document will help you learn about BEAS-2B media and subculturing procedures.
- BEAS-2B cell line: This website contains all the basic information you require to start working with the BEAS-2B cell line, including its media and protocols for handling proliferating and cryopreserve cultures.
References
- Han, X., et al., Human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells exhibit characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One, 2020. 15(1): p. e0227174.
- Cao, X., et al., Cadmium induced BEAS-2B cells apoptosis and mitochondria damage via MAPK signaling pathway. Chemosphere, 2021. 263: p. 128346.
- Heng, B.C., et al., Toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) is accentuated by oxidative stress. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010. 48(6): p. 1762-1766.
- Costa, A.J., et al., Overexpression of estrogen receptor GPER1 and G1 treatment reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in BEAS-2B bronchial cells. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2022. 558: p. 111775.
1. Origin and general characteristics of the BEAS-2B cells
The first thing you look for in a cell line is its origin and general characteristics. Herein, you will learn the salient features and origin of BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. You will study: What is the BEAS-2B lung cell line? What type of cells is Beas 2B? What is the origin of BEAS-2B cells?
- BEAS-2B, the bronchial epithelium cell line, was developed from a non-cancerous human lung tissue in 1988 by Curtis C. Harris' group [1].
- BEAS-2B cells possess an epithelial-like morphology.
HBEpC Vs BEAS-2B
HBEpC are human bronchial epithelial primary cells. Similar to BEAS-2B, they are normal human bronchial epithelial cells. However, they have a limited life span compared to immortalized BEAS-2B. Both cell lines can be used to study pulmonary biology, toxicology, and disease modelling.
Macro images of human bronchiolus tissue at 200x magnification against bright background. Study of human anatomy in the biological laboratory.
2. BEAS-2B cell line: Culturing information
Culturing information from a cell line can make your work easy with it. In this article section, you will learn all the basics for culturing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. Notably, we will know: What is the BEAS-2B doubling time? What is BEAS-2B media? Is the BEAS-2B cell line adherent? How do you culture BEAS-2B cells?
Key Points for Culturing BEAS-2B Cells
|
Doubling Time: |
The BEAS-2B population doubling time is approximately 26 hours. |
|
Adherent or in Suspension: |
BEAS-2B is an epithelial-like adherent cell line. |
|
Cell density: |
The cell density recommended for the BEAS-2B cell line is 1 to 2 × 104 cells/cm2. Adherent BEAS-2B cells are rinsed with phosphate buffer saline and incubated with Accutase at ambient temperature for a few minutes. After the cells dissociate, fresh media is added, and cells are collected through centrifugation. Harvested cells are carefully resuspended and poured into the new flask for growth. |
|
Growth Medium: |
BEGM (Bronchial Epithelial Cell Growth Medium) media containing 10% fetal bovine serum is used for culturing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. The media should be replaced every 2 to 3 days. |
|
Growth Conditions: |
BEAS-2B culture is maintained at 37°C in a humidified incubator with a continuous supply of 5% CO2. |
|
Storage: |
Frozen BEAS-2B cell vials can be stored in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen or an electric freezer below -150°C temperature. |
|
Freezing Process and Medium: |
CM-1 or CM-ACF freezing media are used for freezing the BEAS-2B lung cell line. Cells are frozen by allowing only a 1°C temperature decrease per minute to protect cell viability. This type of method is called slow freezing. |
|
Thawing Process: |
Frozen or cryopreserved BEAS-2B cultures are thawed in a 37°C water bath containing an antimicrobial agent for 40 to 60 seconds. Afterwards, cells are added with media and can directly culture in new flasks or can be centrifuged to remove freezing media components. Then collected cells are resuspended and cultured. In the former case, freezing media is removed after 24 hours. |
|
Biosafety Level: |
Biosafety level 1 laboratories are required for handling BEAS-2B cultures. |
BEAS-2B cells growing together in adherent clusters at 20x and 10x magnification.
3. Advantages & disadvantages of BEAS-2B cells
Like other cell lines, BEAS-2B cells are also associated with some pros and cons. Some of these are discussed below.
Advantages
The advantages of the BEAS-2B cell line include:
|
Immortalized cell line |
BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cell line has been immortalized. Therefore, it continues to grow without entering senescence. This BEAS-2B cell characteristic eliminates the need for repeated extraction of primary human lung epithelial cells with a shorter life span. |
|
Easy to culture |
BEAS-2B cultures are easily maintainable. Cells effortlessly grow and propagate in standard culture conditions. There are no fussy or complicated cell culturing requirements. |
|
Human origin |
The BEAS-2B cell line has a human origin and relevance. Thus, it is an ideal in vitro model to study human airway epithelial cell responses, behaviour, and processes. |
Disadvantages
The disadvantages associated with the BEAS-2B lung cell line are:
|
Transformed human lung epithelial cells |
BEAS-2B cells are transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B virus, which may change their behaviour and responses compared to original human lung tissue-derived bronchial epithelial cells. |
4. Applications of BEAS-2B cell line in research
BEAS-2B cell line offers several applications in biomedical research. Some common applications of BEAS-2B cells are:
- Toxicology: BEAS-2B cells are frequently used to investigate the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of various toxins, environmental pollutants, and chemicals. Researchers employ this bronchial epithelial cell line to evaluate the harmful effects of these substances on pulmonary health. Besides, they also study the underlying molecular mechanisms. Such as, a study carried out in 2021 assessed the toxicity of cadmium metal in the BEAS-2B cell line. The research findings revealed that cadmium induced cell death and mitochondrial damage in the BEAS-2B lung cell line through modulation of the MAPK signalling pathway [2]. Another study used the BEAS-2B cell line to evaluate the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles under oxidative stress [3].
- Respiratory diseases modelling: BEAS-2B cell line is a great research tool and in vitro model to study respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2. Researchers tend to induce disease-related conditions in the BEAS-2B cell line and study underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. This helps identify potential drug targets and develop personalized therapies. Research conducted in 2022 used the BEAS-2B cell line and studied the role of estrogen and its receptors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings revealed that higher expression of the GPER1 estrogen receptor reduces BEAS-2B SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Therefore, it can be involved in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection or replication [4].
5. BEAS-2B cells: Research publications
The following are some interesting and most cited research studies featuring BEAS-2B cells.
Toxicity of graphene in normal human lung cells (BEAS-2B)
This study was published in 2011 in the Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology. The research proposed that graphite oxide induces apoptosis and cytotoxicity in the normal bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B).
This research article was published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (2014). This study explored the therapeutic potential of naringenin, a flavonoid, in the BEAS-2B cell line. The findings suggested that naringenin protects BEAS-2B lung cells against paraquat-induced toxicity or oxidative damage.
This study was published in Inhalation Toxicology (2011). Herein, the researchers assessed the toxicity effect of magnetic nanoparticles with amorphous silica coatings in the BEAS-2B cell line in vitro.
This article in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2022) proposed that ursodeoxycholic acid can hinder abnormal migration of airway epithelial cells and prevent damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 interaction. Thus, it may help restore the epithelial basal layer.
Effects of radon on miR-34a–induced apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells
This study was published in 2019 in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. The research findings state that chronic exposure to radon may promote carcinogenesis in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) by activating microRNA-34a.
6. Cell culture protocols
The cell culture protocol for BEAS-2B cells is mentioned here.
- BEAS-2B subculturing: This document will help you learn about BEAS-2B media and subculturing procedures.
- BEAS-2B cell line: This website contains all the basic information you require to start working with the BEAS-2B cell line, including its media and protocols for handling proliferating and cryopreserve cultures.
References
- Han, X., et al., Human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells exhibit characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One, 2020. 15(1): p. e0227174.
- Cao, X., et al., Cadmium induced BEAS-2B cells apoptosis and mitochondria damage via MAPK signaling pathway. Chemosphere, 2021. 263: p. 128346.
- Heng, B.C., et al., Toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) is accentuated by oxidative stress. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010. 48(6): p. 1762-1766.
- Costa, A.J., et al., Overexpression of estrogen receptor GPER1 and G1 treatment reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection in BEAS-2B bronchial cells. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2022. 558: p. 111775.