Characterization of a new human diploid cell line—IMR-91

A human diploid fibroblast cell line has been established from the lung tissue of a male fetus. This has been characterized and frozen away in large quantity. A smaller quantity of fibroblastlike cells from skin has also been established, partially characterized, and placed in frozen storage from the same fetus. This project is in support of the National Institute on Aging research in general cell biology. The present lines designated IMR-91 lung and IMR-91 skin complement the previous human diploid fibroblast culture (IMR-90) established from a female fetus. The lack of random inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes in the present male line reduces the genetic heterogeneity inherent in the female line.