Cell Lines

Cell LinesResearchers are looking for stem cell lines from different animals that will (ideally) divide indefinitely into more cells. These cell lines would then become the stable source of all other stem cells and differentiated cells that produce cell-cultured meat. Stem cells are unique because they have the ability to produce more of itself via self-replication or to produce cells that become different cell types via differentiation. At the moment, to produce cell-based meat, some researchers are using cells found in muscle called satellite cells (Yes, these cells are also in us!). When activated, the satellite cells will either self-replicate to produce more satellite cells or differentiate into muscle fiber cells that can become the meat product. The problem with these cells, however, is that satellite cells have a limited number of self-replications in their lifespans.Once a stable cell line is found and becomes widely available for animals of interest (like cows, pigs and chickens), the sourcing of stem cells to make cell-cultured meat will no longer be an obstacle.