Stable EGFP gene expression in C6 glioma cell line after transduction with HIV-1-based lentiviral vector

Objective: To establish a stable C6/EGFP glioma cell line for studies on glioma. Methods: The C6 glioma cell line was transfected with the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) based lentivirus vector containing two enhancer-promoters CMV and EF1α. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive C6 cells were sorted out by fluorescence-activated cell sort. Expression of EGFP was observed by fluorescent microscopy. EGFP gene in C6 genome was assessed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Original and transfected cells were compared biologically and cytomorphologically. Results: Lentivirus vector transfection produced up to 40% EGFP-positive cells. After fluorescence-activated cell sort selection, a pure cell line C6/EGFP was established. PCR and DNA sequencing revealed integration of EGFP gene in C6 cell genome. Analysis of cell characteristics revealed no difference between transfected and original cells. Conclusion: A C6/EGFP cell line expressing EGFP as a marker is established, in which the EGFP gene is integrated into the genome. This cell line can be served as a promising tool for further basic research and gene therapy studies.