Hep-G2/C3A Cells

Hep-G2/C3A (often referred to as C3A) is a human (Homo sapiens) cell line established from a liver tumor (hepatoblastoma) of a 15-year-old male patient. It is a clonal subline of the well-known Hep-G2 cell line and therefore originates from malignant hepatic tissue. As a cancer-derived cell line of liver origin, Hep-G2/C3A shows continuous growth in vitro and is widely used as a stable, reproducible model of human liver cells. Owing to its robust growth characteristics and the retention of key liver-specific functions, Hep-G2/C3A is used across multiple research areas. It is particularly common in pharmacology and toxicology as an in vitro model for studying drug metabolism and hepatotoxicity, including 3D spheroid culture formats that can improve the prediction of human liver toxicity. In cancer research, Hep-G2/C3A serves as a model for hepatic tumors (hepatoma/hepatoblastoma) and supports testing of therapeutic strategies under controlled laboratory conditions. Because of its functional similarity to primary hepatocytes (for example, production of plasma proteins and active metabolism), it has also been used in the development of bioartificial liver support systems such as the extracorporeal ELAD device. In addition, Hep-G2/C3A can be permissive to infection by certain human viruses (e.g., Zika virus), making it useful for virology-focused studies in hepatic cell systems.