it's all to do with wound healing.

[P.M. Newton]

As far as i am aware the predominant mitogen in all sera is PDGF (Platelet 
Derived Growth Factor). There are plenty of other things present which will 
make cells proliferate (TGF-beta, Interleukins, IGF, FGF, EGF etc) but the 
response to these is generally more dependent on the cell type and other 
conditions, whereas PDGF is a general kick up the backside for most cells.

as far as i am aware no-one has conducted a definitive study into the 
differences between serum types in terms of their growth factor 
concentrations, but if there is one out there it would really really help me!!

another possible consideration is ECM molecules present in the serum, small 
amounts of things like fibronectin are present in and they play an important 
role in things like cell attachment, tho' i don't know if this is different 
between serum types.

Phil.



n article <8anv8o$g6k$1 at nnrp1.deja.com>, rubendaniel at my-deja.com wrote:
>Dear P.M.,
>
>  another reason, and in fact the only one, I heard before yours was
>that FCS is the only one that do not have antibodies, so this is why is
>suitable to use in cell cultures. After saying that I just found that
>people really don't know why they using FCS (or another type of serum
>in their cultures). The idea I get is that you use whatever other
>people is using to culture the particular cells you using.
>  Your reason about the balance of cytokines/growth factors present in
>FCS is one reason why this is more suitable than others is the only
>thing different I heard.
>  I suppose that every cell type will have its own cytokines/growth
>factors needs, but any idea about this kind of growth factors that are
>essential to most of the cell types?
>Ruben
>
>
>Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>Before you buy.