Development and characterization of a continuous embryonic cell line from turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

A continuous cell line, TEC (turbot embryonic cell line), was established from embryos at the gastrula stage of a cultured marine fish, turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), and has been cultured for more than 200 days with more than 60 passages. The TEC cells were cultured in DMEM medium supplemented with antibiotics, fetal bovine serum (FBS), sea perch serum (SPS), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The cells were small and round, and grew actively and stably in culture. Effect of temperature, fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentration, and bFGF on the growth of TEC cells was examined. The cells grew well in the temperature range of 24-30 °C, but have a reduced growth rate at temperatures below 18 °C. The growth rate of TEC cells in medium containing 15% FBS was higher than that in medium containing 7.5% FBS. Addition of bFGF to the medium significantly increased the growth rate of TEC cells. Chromosome analysis revealed that TEC cells have a normal diploid karyotype with 2n = 4m + 12st + 28t. High survival rate has been obtained after cryopreservation of cell cultures.