Comprehensive Genetic and Molecular Characterization Confirms Hepatic Stellate Cell Origin of the Immortal Col-GFP HSC Line

The immortal murine hepatic stellate cell line Col-GFP HSC was comprehensively characterized using genetic and molecular approaches. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and karyotyping combined with multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH) confirmed the identity of the cell line and revealed no contamination. Col-GFP HSCs showed a near tetraploid karyotype. Additionally, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and Western blot analyses demonstrated robust expression of genes and proteins associated with hepatic stellate cells, including those involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrogenic pathways. Phalloidin staining revealed filamentous actin patterns characteristic of stellate cells, providing additional support for their cytoskeletal organization and functional status. These findings provide strong evidence that the Col-GFP HSC cell line originates from hepatic stellate cells and can serve as a reliable in vitro model to study stellate cell biology and related pathophysiological processes.