CnT-Bladder Epithelium Progenitors, Adult, Long-Term

HBLAK cells are spontaneously immortalized human bladder epithelial cells cryopreserved at approximately passage 10. Derived from normal uroepithelial tissue, they have not been actively transformed and offer the convenience of long‑term in vitro growth without senescence. These cells retain the ability to differentiate and are capable of forming 3D cultures, making them suitable for extended experimental workflows.
Because this material is of human origin, it must be handled as hazardous. Although the cells have been tested negative for HIV‑1, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, they should be treated as potentially infectious. Appropriate biocontainment procedures, protective equipment, and standard laboratory precautions are required to prevent accidental exposure.
HBLAK cells are highly sensitive to antibiotics and antimycotics, and these additives must not be used in culture, as they can severely impair growth and survival. The cells are supplied at approximately passage 10 and provide at least six months of growth following delivery. As with all long‑term cell systems, it is recommended to expand the cells upon initial receipt and freeze down multiple stock vials. Experiments should be performed within approximately 15 to 20 passages after thawing each stock vial, after which the culture should be discarded and restarted from a fresh vial.
The HBLAK cell line was originally characterized by Hoffmann et al. and remains a widely used model for bladder epithelial biology.