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.