Endothelial cells are critical components of wound healing, inflammation, circulation, and tumor growth metastases. Endothelial cells are difficult to isolate and culture. A unique approach has been used to immortalize endothelial cells, which are more amenable to culture. The cell line, designated HMEC-1, provides a ready source of human endothelial cells for research, including studies on the physiologic and pathologic factors that induce endothelial mitosis, pharmacologic studies for the screening of various agents, and toxicologic studies for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.  

Inventors: Edwin W Ades, Thomas Lawley, and Francisco J Candal

CDC Reference Number: E-036-91/0

USPTO Serial Number: none

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