Mef Cells
Mef Cells - Related Videos
06:40
From MEFs to Matrigel 2: Splitting hESCs from MEFs onto Matrigel
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Cited by 4 •
2008
This video demonstrates how to maintain the growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in feeder cell-free conditions and how to continuously passage hESCs in feeder cell-free conditions. Confirmation of hESC pluripotency grown in feeder cell-free conditions by immunofluorescence microscopy is also demonstrated. Part 2 of 3.
06:29
From MEFs to Matrigel I: Passaging hESCs in the Presence of MEFs
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Cited by 6 •
2008
This video demonstrates how to grow human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder cells. Part 1 of 3.
06:31
Primary Tumor and MEF Cell Isolation to Study Lung Metastasis
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Cited by 13 •
2015
The goal of this protocol is to study breast tumorigenesis. With this technique, mouse mammary tumors are removed and primary cells are prepared from tumors. A lung extraction protocol is included for studying lung metastasis. Furthermore, another protocol for analyzing mouse embryonic fibroblasts from the mouse embryo is included.
03:50
From MEFs to Matrigel 3: Passaging hESCs from Matrigel onto Matrigel
0 Views •
Cited by 3 •
2008
This video demonstrates how to maintain the growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in feeder cell-free conditions and how to continuously passage hESCs in feeder cell-free conditions. Confirmation of hESC pluripotency grown in feeder cell-free conditions by immunofluorescence microscopy is also demonstrated. Part 3 of 3.
13:02
Generating iPS Cells from MEFS through Forced Expression of Sox-2, Oct-4, c-Myc, and Klf4
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Cited by 41 •
2008
This video shows the procedure for generating induced pluripotent stem cells using inducible lentivirus that express Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4.
FAQs
MEF cells detect microbial or viral components through innate immune sensors. Those sensors activate intracellular signaling pathways that alter expression of interferon, cytokine, and inflammatory genes. This sequence lets investigators connect recognition of a pathogen-associated signal with a measurable cellular response, helping clarify how early immune signaling is initiated and regulated in mammalian cells.
Comparing normal MEFs with genetically modified lines reveals whether a targeted gene contributes to a host response. If disrupting or altering that gene changes signaling, gene expression, or infection-related outcomes, the difference provides evidence linking the gene to the mechanism under study. The defined genetic comparison also helps separate gene-specific effects from general cell behavior.
Interferon, cytokine, and inflammatory gene expression provides complementary views of innate immune activation. Interferon-related changes can be examined alongside broader cytokine and inflammatory responses rather than treated as a single readout. Measuring these expression outcomes allows researchers to determine whether a perturbation affects the breadth or character of the response after microbial or viral sensing.
During infection experiments, MEFs can be used to examine both pathogen replication and the host factors that restrict it. This paired perspective is important because a change in replication may reflect altered pathogen growth, weakened cellular restriction, or both. Comparing appropriate cell lines helps investigators relate replication outcomes to antiviral responses and candidate host mechanisms.
Preparation begins with isolation from developing mouse embryos, followed by tissue dissociation to release cells. The resulting fibroblasts are placed in culture and expanded in vitro before experiments. This workflow produces a population that can be evaluated under controlled experimental conditions, including comparisons between standard and genetically modified cell lines.
Defined genetic backgrounds make it easier to interpret differences between MEF experiments. When otherwise comparable cells differ in a selected genetic feature, changes in pathogen replication, host restriction, or immune-gene expression can be attributed more directly to that feature. This design supports mechanistic studies that connect a molecular alteration with a cellular outcome.
MEF cells are particularly useful when a study needs to connect innate immune signaling with infection-related cellular behavior. Researchers can examine microbial or viral sensing, interferon and cytokine responses, pathogen replication, host restriction factors, and effects of targeted gene disruption within the same experimental model. The approach links molecular mechanisms to outcomes relevant to immunology and infection.