Culture Adaptation and Abnormal Cultures

When pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines are moved from one cell culture condition to another, they need to adapt to the new system in order to regain homeostasis. This adaptation process has a direct effect on the biochemistry and physiology of the cell line and can produce changes in cellular metabolism, protein expression, gene expression, cell cycle and morphology. In addition, the stress of the adaptation process can cause the selection of cells with a growth advantage, often caused by changes in the epigenetics or genetic integrity of the cells.