Optimizing SH-SY5Y cell culture: exploring the beneficial effects of an alternative media supplement on cell proliferation and viability
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Abstract
In the quest to unravel the mysteries of neurological diseases, comprehending the underlying mechanisms is supreme. The SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line serves as a crucial tool in this endeavor; however, the cells are known for its sensitivity and slow proliferation rates. Typically, this cell line is cultured with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) supplement. Nu-Serum (NuS), a low-protein alternative to FBS, is promising to advance cell culture practices. Herein, we evaluated the substitution of NuS for FBS to test the hypothesis that an alternative serum supplement can aid and promote SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and differentiation. Our findings revealed that the NuS-supplemented group exhibited a notable increase in adhered cells compared to both the FBS and serum-free (SF) groups. Importantly, cell viability remained high in both sera treated groups, with the NuS-supplemented cells displaying significantly larger cell sizes compared to the SF-treated group. Furthermore, cell proliferation rates were higher in the NuS-treated group, and neuroblast-like morphology was observed earlier than FBS group. Notably, both FBS and NuS supported the differentiation of these cells into mature neurons. Our data supports NuS as an alternative for SH-SY5Y cell culture, with the potential to elevate the quality of research in the neuroscience field.
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After differentiation with retinoic acid and neurotrophins, SH-SY5Y cells become morphologically similar to primary neurons and express neuron-specific markers.
“After differentiation with retinoic acid and neurotrophins, SH-SY5Y cells become morphologically similar to primary neurons and express neuron-specific markers [29].”
From Shared and distinct microRNA profiles between HT22, N2A and SH-SY5Y cell lines and primary mouse hippocampal neurons (2025) · cites this paper as [29]
SH-SY5Y are neuroblastoma cells of human origin with a neuroblast-like morphology and expression of immature neuronal markers.
“SH-SY5Y are neuroblastoma cells of human origin with a neuroblast-like morphology and expression of immature neuronal markers [29].”
From Shared and distinct microRNA profiles between HT22, N2A and SH-SY5Y cell lines and primary mouse hippocampal neurons (2025) · cites this paper as [29]
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Murphy, R., Villegas-Salmerón, J., Sanz-Rodriguez, A., Engel, T., Mooney, C., Henshall, D. C., & Jimenez-Mateos, E. M. (2025) · PLOS One · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0326401 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
- Authors
- Kaya, Z. B., Santiago-Padilla, V., Lim, M., Boschen, S. L., Atilla, P., & McLean, P. J.
- Venue
- Scientific Reports
- Published
- 2024-02-27
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 1
- ISSN
- 2045-2322
- PMC
- PMC10899233
- Cited by
- 51
- References
- 0
- Language
- en
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