The Facility provides the FFC Ricerca network researchers with a collection of primary cell cultures obtained from the CF and non-CF human bronchial epithelial cells, using explanted lungs from patients who have undergone lung transplantation. Primary bronchial cells retain, as in the living subject, either normal functional characteristics or those that have been altered by the disease. The isolated and preserved CF cells have different genotypes, from the more common F508del/F508del to others with rarer mutations. The remarkable results achieved by the Task Force for Cystic Fibrosis project have also been possible thanks to the use of these cells. 

The explanted lungs are supplied through valuable collaboration with the Transplant Centers of Padua and Milan. Since the launch of the service, from 2012 to 2023, the Primary Cultures Service has received 114 bronchi from the two transplant centers in Milan and Padua, 84 from CF patients and 30 from non-CF individuals. The service has enabled the isolation and cultivation of cells from patients with over 30 different CF genotypes, including several rare ones. It was used by more than 40 research groups who received a total of 451 vials of frozen cells (300 CF and 151 non-CF), along with the necessary materials for their cell culture. Researchers interested in the service are offered the opportunity to visit the Gaslini Institute laboratory in order to familiarize themselves with bronchial epithelial cell culture techniques, as well as methods for studying the CFTR protein and transepithelial ion transport. The Service also provides researchers with pre-differentiated epithelia on porous supports under ALI (Air Liquid Interface) conditions.

The availability of biological material has decreased since 2020 due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important to note that, with the introduction of new clinical treatments, the number of individuals undergoing lung transplantation has significantly decreased.

To find out more, please check the presentation by Dr. Valeria Capurro, head of SCP, held on January 2025 during the FFC Ricerca Research Facilities webinars cycle.

Important information for service users:
The shipping costs for samples (vials, cell aliquots, etc.) are covered by the requesting researcher’s project.

Coordination: Medical Genetics Laboratory, The G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa

For info and contacts: serviziocoltureprimarie@fibrosicisticaricerca.it