Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. They have been extensively used for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies as they are one of easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability also makes them amenable to a variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection. There is evidence showing that fibroblasts in various organs are intrinsically different. Fibroblasts within tissues are exposed to a dynamic mechnical environment, which influences the structural integrity of both healthy and healing soft tissue. Fibroblasts secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix which is rich in type I and/or type III collagen. Cultured prostate fibroblasts synthesize FGF-like growth factors to stimulate their growth which may be a factor in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. HPrF from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human prostate tissue. HPrF are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HPrF are characterized by their spindle morphology and immunofluorescence with antibody specific to fibronectin. HPrF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HPrF are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Fibroblast Medium (FM, Cat. #2301) for the culturing of HPrF in vitro.