Undergraduate lab series using the K562 human leukemia cell line: Model for cell growth, death, and differentiation in an advanced cell biology course

Abstract

This sequence of labs was developed for an upper level undergraduate cell biology course at Fairfield University. The labs are based on the use of the K562 human erythroleukemia cell line, a model system that is exceptionally amenable to an undergraduate cell biology lab course due to its ease of maintenance and propagation and usefulness for studies of growth, death, and differentiation. The sequence of labs is conducted over a 6-week period, following a series of weekly cell biology labs covering basic cell and molecular biology techniques. Together, the lab series has four primary objectives 1) to teach students how to culture and maintain mammalian cells; 2) to build student competency in standard cell biology techniques; 3) to demonstrate the role of growth factors on cell proliferation and viability; and 4) to provide students with an opportunity to use these cells in an independent investigation on cell differentiation. We provide examples of student data and offer a range of experimental measurements depending on institutional capacity and facilities. Our assessment data suggest that students find great value in this lab series, enhancing their comprehension of key concepts, acquisition of important lab skills, and depth of understanding of the research process. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(3):263–271, 2019.