Establishment of a testis cell line from Clarias magur : a potential resource for in-vitro applications

We developed a gonad cell line, CMgT-1, from the testes of Clarias magur in L-15 media with 20% FBS at 28 °C temperature and sub-cultured it more than 50 times. The origin of the cell line was validated using two universal markers, viz. cytochrome oxidase c subunit I and 16S rRNA genes. Cytogenetic analysis of the cells at 32nd passage revealed diploid chromosome number of 50. Immuno-phenotyping assay confirmed an epithelial-like cell type. The cell line was tested for mycoplasma contamination and found to be negative. The cells were successfully transfected with a GFP reporter gene that indicated that the cell line could be utilized in gene expression studies. The cell line was successfully utilized for evaluating cytotoxic effects of heavy metals, viz. potassium dichromate, mercury chloride and sodium (meta) arsenite, which reflects its potential applications in toxicity studies. CMgT-1 cell line will serve as a valuable resource for cytotoxicity and other in vitro studies.