Establishment and characterization of an astroglial cell line derived from the brain of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

An astroglial cell line was established from the brain of half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and was designated as CSAC. CSAC shows the morphological homogeneity of epithelial cells. The cell identity was tested by the presence of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which was revealed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The cell line was optimally maintained at 24 °C in minimum essential medium supplemented with HEPES, antibiotics, 20% fetal bovine serum, 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-Me) and basic fibroblast growth factor. Chromosome analysis revealed that the CSAC cells maintained a normal diploid chromosome number (2n=42). The fluorescent signals were observed in CSAC after the cells were transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter plasmids. The CSAC cell line may serve as a valuable tool for studies on the potential functions of fish astroglial cells.