The preferred method to immortalize cells is through expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase protein (TERT), particularly those cells most affected by telomere length (e.g., human). This protein is inactive in most somatic cells, but when hTERT is exogenously expressed the cells are able to maintain telomere lengths sufficient to avoid replicative senescence. Analysis of several telomerase-immortalized cell lines has verified that the cells maintain a stable genotype and retain critical phenotypic markers.

Several viral methods exist for immortalizing mammalian cells in culture. Viral genes, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen can induce immortalization. Viral genes achieve immortalization by inactivating the tumor suppressor genes that put cells into a replicative senescent state.

Simbiosys staff has extensive expertise in primary cell immortalization and can immortalize primary cells of your choice using the hTERT or viral transformation (EBV, SV40 T antigen) methods. Please also consult our "primary cell isolation" and "cell banking" services for a complete end-to-end solution for your research requirements.