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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Immortalized and Transformed Cells?

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The main difference between immortalized and transformed cells lies in their proliferation potential and whether they are cancerous or not. Here are the key differences:

  • Immortalized Cells: These cells have an indefinite lifespan and can divide indefinitely, but they are not cancerous. They have sufficient mutations to be passaged forever, unlike non-transformed, non-immortalized cells, which have a finite passage number. Immortalized cells show dependence on growth factors and are sensitive to growth inhibitors.
  • Transformed Cells: These cells have enhanced cell proliferation ability and invasiveness, making them cancerous cells. They possess all six hallmarks of cancerous cells, including growth factor independence, no response to growth inhibitors, evasion of apoptosis, promotion of angiogenesis, unlimited proliferation, and invasiveness. Transformed cells show growth factor independence and do not respond to growth inhibitors.

In summary, immortalized cells can divide indefinitely but are not cancerous, while transformed cells are cancerous and have an indefinite proliferation potential.

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  • What is the Difference Between Immortalized and Transformed Cells?
  • Comparative Table: Immortalized vs Transformed Cells

    • Comparative Table: Immortalized vs Transformed Cells

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between immortalized and transformed cells:

    Feature Immortalized Cells Transformed Cells
    Definition Cells that have the ability to divide indefinitely, but are not cancerous. Cells that are cancerous and possess all six hallmarks of cancerous cells.
    Origin Manipulated primary cells or cells with spontaneous mutations that bypass the Hayflick limit. Cells derived from actual clinical tumors, or induced using viral oncogenes or chemical treatments.
    Growth Factor Independence No. Yes.
    Response to Growth Inhibitors No response. Yes.
    Evasion of Apoptosis Yes. No.
    Promotion of Angiogenesis No. Yes.
    Unlimited Proliferation Yes. Yes.
    Invasiveness No. Yes.
    Differentiation Retain some degree of differentiation. Retain very little of the original in vivo characteristics.
    Applications Used to extract large amounts of proteins for biochemical assays, test pharmacological agents, and produce monoclonal antibodies. Used in research to study cancer and its properties.

    Immortalized cells are not cancerous and have a finite life span, while transformed cells are cancerous and possess all six hallmarks of cancerous cells. Immortalized cells retain some degree of differentiation, whereas transformed cells retain very little of the original in vivo characteristics.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.