3.2.1 Commonly Used Cell Lines in Pharmacology Research

The choice of cell line is dictated by the biological question being asked.

The choice of cell line is dictated by the biological question being asked. HEK-293 (Human Embryonic Kidney) cells are widely used for transfection and heterologous receptor over-expression, making them the workhorse of GPCR pharmacology assays. Cancer cell lines such as HeLa, MCF-7, and A549 are standard substrates for cytotoxicity and anticancer screening. RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are used to model inflammation through nitric oxide production and cytokine ELISA readouts. SH-SY5Y neuronal cells support neurotoxicity and neuroprotection studies, including chemically induced Parkinson's disease models using 6-OHDA or MPP+. HepG2 hepatocyte-derived cells are the standard substrate for hepatotoxicity screening and CYP450 induction studies, while PC12 adrenal pheochromocytoma cells are used to study neurite outgrowth and catecholamine secretion in response to nerve growth factor.