Establishment and characterization of a new human cell line (EJ) derived from endometrial carcinoma

We present a new cell line, EJ established from an invasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus in a 56-year-old patient. The cells show rapid growth in culture with a doubling time of 16 h and high migration activity. Monolayer-cultured cells were polygonal in shape showing a tendency to pile up without contact inhibition. Subcutaneous transplantation of the EJ cells into nude mice formed solid tumors that were histologically diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, whereas no metastasis was observed. Cultured EJ cells produced tissue polypeptide antigen (IPA). Genetic and molecular analyses revealed high telomerase activity but not estrogen receptor alpha expression. Using the DNA sequencing technique, we have screened EJ cells for p53 mutation in exon 5 to 8 but no mutation of p53 was observed. This cell line appears to represent the development of a more malignant clone with divergent receptor function and growth behavior, and provides us with an interesting new tool for the study of tumorigenesis in the human endometrium.     

Establishment and characterization of a new murine cell line (SR-4987) derived from marrow stromal cells

A new murine cell line designated as SR-4987 was established by treating a long-term bone marrow culture with the supernatant from Y-1 cells which actively produce viral C-particles (MuLV). The line showed a fibrolbast-like morphology and its mesodermal origin was confirmed by immunocytochemical staining. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA index evidenced a tetraploid number of chromosomes whereas cell cycle analysis showed 34.8% of cells in S phase and 60.7% in G1.In vitro growth studies demonstrated a population doubling time of 14.7h, a good plating efficiency (52.3%) and a very poor agar clonogenic capacity (0.6%). SR-4987 was tumorigenic only in syngeneic mice in which sarcomas were induced. The line produced M-CSF in the culture supermatant whereas G-CSF, IL-3 and GM-CSF were not detected. Studies are in progress to assess the production of other cytokines and to verify if same autocrine growth factor is involved in the control of SR-4987 proliferation. Our line provides a further model of stromal cells for studying the interaction between hemopoietic progenitors and their micro-environment, as well as to study factors produced by stromal cells acting as modulators of proliferation and differentiation of related cell populations.     

Generation and characterization of a functional human adipose-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell line

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and MSC-derived products have emerged as promising therapeutic tools. To fully exploit their potential, further mechanistic studies are still necessary and bioprocessing needs to be optimized, which requires an abundant supply of functional MSC for basic research. To address this need, here we used a novel technology to establish a human adipose-derived MSC line with functional characteristics representative of primary MSC. Primary MSC were isolated and subjected to lentiviral transduction with a library of expansion genes. Clonal cell lines were generated and evaluated on the basis of their morphology, immunophenotype, and proliferation potential. One clone (K5 iMSC) was then selected for further characterization. This clone had integrated a specific transgene combination including genes involved in stemness and maintenance of adult stem cells. Favorably, the K5 iMSC showed cell characteristics resembling juvenile MSC, as they displayed a shorter cell length and enhanced migration and proliferation compared with the non-immortalized original primary MSC (p < 0.05). Still, their immunophenotype and differentiation potential corresponded to the original primary MSC and the MSC definition criteria, and cytogenetic analyses revealed no clonal aberrations. We conclude that the technology used is applicable to generate functional MSC lines for basic research and possible future bioprocessing applications.     

Establishment and characterization of a cell line (SS78) from a human renal cell carcinoma

Summary A new cell line, SS78, was established from a primary renal cell carcinoma of a Caucasian male. The tissue was dispersed with collagenase, and viable cells were separated by flotation on a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. In culture, the SS78 cells retained a distinct epithelial morphology, and no fibroblastlike cells were seen. The cultured cells were aneuploid with a modal chromosome number of 80 and had several marker chromosomes. Inoculation of the cultured cells into athymic nude mice caused tumors at the sites of inoculation. This research was supported in part by Grants CA 15972 and CA 14930 from the National Cancer Institute through the National Bladder Cancer Project and by the Medical Research Service of the Veterans Administration.     

Establishment and characterization of a human gestational choriocarcinoma cell line (HOCC)

Human gestational choriocarcinoma cell line (HOCC) was established from the mouse graft of choriocarcinoma. The HOCC cells were spindle or polygonal in shape and multi-nucleated giant cells, showing neoplastic and pleomorphic features. The cell proliferated stably, and the population doubling time was about 32 hours. The chromosome numbers showed a wide distribution of aneuploidy, the mode was in hypertriploid range and the marker chromosomes were recognized in the several generations. Heterotransplantation was easy, and subcutaneous transplantation of 1 X 10(7) cells in nude mouse formed a tumor composed of choriocarcinoma. It is most noteworthy characteristic of the cell line that it produced human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an in vitro culture system and in vivo in nude mice.     

Establishment and characterization of human glioblastoma cell line (HUBT-n)

We succeeded in primary culture of 3 in 4 cases of glioblastomas. The long-term passage cultures were not done from the primary cultures of original tumor, but glioblastoma cell line (HUBT-n) was established from a xenograft of nude mouse. This line grew well without interruption for 4 years and was subcultivated over 120 times. The cells were spindle like or round in shape and neoplastic and pleomorphic features contained glial fibrillar acid protein (GFAP) and S-100 protein and grew multilayering without contact inhibition. A bough-shaped long projection was noted from a small cell. One of the characteristics of the HUBT-n cells was existence of well developed intermediate filaments in their cytoplasm. The cells proliferated rapidly, and the population doubling time was about 32 hours. The chromosome number showed a narrow distribution of diploid range. Abnormal constitution was observed in all cells by G-band karyotyping. The culture cells were easily transplanted into the subcutis of nude mouse and produced the tumor resembling the original tumor.     

Establishment and characterization of a cell-line originated from human mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary

We recently established a cell line (designated 371M) derived from an ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The tumor cells were obtained from the ascitic fluid of a 54-year-old Japanese woman while she was undergoing surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy (combined paclitaxel and carboplatin) was administered, but was ineffective, and she died about 4 months after surgery. The 371M cells continuously propagated in vitro over a period of about 50 months and, to date, have undergone over 100 passages. They proliferated in a monolayered sheet with doubling times of 84 h and 37 h in the 10th and 34th passages, respectively. When transplanted into nude mice, the tumor histopathologically resembled the structure of the original tumor. The 371M cells secreted high levels of CA125 and CA19-9 into the culture medium. There were several abnormal chromosomes in all karyotypes selected at random. Sensitivity of 371M cells to a variety of anti-cancer drugs was examined by in vitro MTT assay, and the results suggested that CPT-11 and CDDP were more effective against 371M cells than other anti-cancer agents.     

Establishment and characterization of a human liposarcoma cell line (HTLS) from the retroperitoneal liposarcoma

A cell line designated HTLS was established from the retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The HTLS line showed stable proliferation without interruption for 2 years and subcultivated over 35 times. The cells were elongated fibrous and spindle in shape, and neoplastic and pleomorphic features. The multinucleated giant cells with fine cytoplasm were seen. The cells proliferated slowly and the population doubling time was about 90 hours. The chromosome number showed a wide distribution of aneuploidy, the mode was hyperdiploid range (51-52), and many marker chromosomes were observed. The cells were transplantable into the submucosa of immunesuppressed hamster's cheek pouch and produced liposarcoma, while were not transplantable into subcutis of nude mice     

Atg9A-mediated mitophagy is required for decidual differentiation of endometrial stromal cells

Endometrial decidualization is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an independent cause of disease for energy-intensive organs. Mitochondrial homeostasis plays a key role in the differentiation processes of many cell types. We showed increased activation of mitophagy (mitochondrial autophagy) in the decidua compared with proliferative or secretory endometrium. To better comprehend the mechanisms underlying healthy conception, understanding the mechanism of endometrial stromal cell decidualization is of great importance. Here, we artificially induced decidualization of a human endometrial stromal cell line (T HESCs) and characterized subsequent activation of mitophagy using immunofluorescence assay, electron microscopy and Western blot assay. Knockdown of autophagy-related 9A (ATG9A) led to an obvious reduction of mitophagy and deficiencies in decidualization. Our findings demonstrate a key role for proper mitochondrial dynamics in decidual differentiation and identify ATG9A-mediated mitophagy as a novel therapeutic target for repeated implantation failure or recurrent abortion.     

Establishment and characterization of a human malignant choroids plexus papilloma cell line (HIBCPP)

A cell line designated "HIBSPP" was established from a human malignant choroids plexus papilloma of 29-year-old Japanese woman. This line grew well without interruption for 3 years and was subcultivated over 70 times. The cells were spindle, oval, and polygonal in shape, and neoplastic and pleomorphic features, a jigsaw puzzle-like arrangement, multilayering and forming papillary structures without contact inhibition. The cells proliferated slowly, and the population doubling time was about 69 hours. The chromosome number showed a wide distribution of aneuploidy. The mode was in the hypotetraploid range, and many marker chromosomes were observed. The culture cells were easily transplanted into the subcutis of nude mice and produced the tumor resembling the original tumor.     

Establishment and characterization of a new human renal cell carcinoma cell line (KRC/Y)

Summary A new renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell line (KRC/Y) has been established from a surgical specimen of a 41-yr-old Japanese female patient with RCC composed of both clear cells and granular cells. This cell line has been maintained for more than 15 mo. through 45 passages with a stable growth, KRC/Y cells have clear or eosinophilic polygonal cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei with one or two nucleoli, and proliferate in a pavementlike cell arrangement with a lack of contanct inhibition. By electron microscopy, these cells contain abundant fat droplets and glycogen granules or well-developed organells or both, which were also observed in the original tumor. The doubling time of these cells at the 15th passage was 73 h. The chromosome number was from 37 to 45 with a hypodiploid modal number of 42. Tumorigenicity was identified by tumor formation after subcutaneous injections of KRC/Y cells in nude mice, which showed close resemblance to the original tumor by light and electron microscope observations. This study was supported in part by Sarah Cousin Fund, Boston, MA.     

Establishment and characterization of the RMG-V cell line from human ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma

A cell line, designated as RMG-V, was established from a patient with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary. The cell line has grown without interruption and has been propagated continuously by serial passaging (more than 36 times) over 5 years. The cells are spindle-shaped, display neoplastic and pleomorphic features, and grow in a jigsaw puzzle-like arrangement while forming monolayers without contact inhibition. These cells proliferate rapidly, and the population doubling time is about 15.5 hours. The number of chromosomes ranges between 77 and 85, with a modal number of 83.     

Establishment and characterization of a new human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Summary A human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (FOCUS—Friendship of China and United States) was derived from a patient with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. This cell line has been in continuous culture over an 18-mo period. The morphological and ultrastructural features of FOCUS are consistent with its neoplastic hepatocellular orgin. FOCUS cells contain aspartate aminotransferase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. In addition, α₁-antitrypsin, fibrinogen, alpha fetoprotein, and carcinoembryonic antigens were detectble in the cytoplasm of the cultured cells by immunochemical staining techniques. The karyotype of the FOCUS cell is human in origin and it contains human DNA sequences as detected by molecular hybridization analysis. The FOCUS cells do not show evidence of density-dependent inhibition of growth under confluent conditions. Repeated growth curves over an 18-mo period were identical, revealing a doubling time of 42 to 48 h. The malignant potential of FOCUS cells was further demonstrated by their ability to lead to gross tumor formation after subcutaneous infection into nude mice. From one of the solid tumors grown in nude mice, recultured cell lines have been established and found to have properties identical to the original FOCUS cell line. This FOCUS cell line represents an additional model for further investigation of tumor specific antigens and the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Preliminary molecular characterization has indicated the existence of integrated HBV sequences within the FOCUS genome.     

Establishment and characterization of a human thyroid carcinoma cell line (HOTHC) producing colony stimulating factor

A cell line designated HOTHC was established from an anaplastic carcinoma (giant cell type) of the thyroid gland of 80-year-old woman. The HOTHC line grew rapidly in multilayer without contact inhibition, and more than 120 serial passages were made within 27 months. The cells were spindle or polygonal in shape and revealed neoplastic and pleomorphic features. These cells were characterized as containing coloid droplets and poorly developed rough-endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm. Doubling time was about 24 hours and plating efficiency was about 70%. The karyotype exhibits hyperploidy and marker chromosomes, and the modal chromosome number ranged between 77-90. The HOTHC cells were transplanted into the subcutis of BALB/c nude mice and produced anaplatic carcinomas (giant cell type) resembling the original tumor. The HOTHC cells produced colony stimulating factor (CSF) and caused granulocytosis in the mice.     

Establishment and characterization of human malignant lymphoma cell line derived from uterine cervix

Human uterine cervical malignant lymphoma (B-cell type) was cultured and the cell line (HIUML) was newly established. The HIUML cells were round in shape and had a tendency to make floating clusters. The cells had a smooth surface or protrusion on the margin of the cytoplasm, and proliferate in floatation. The population doubling time was about 32 hours and 42 or more passages were successfully observed in two years. The HIUML cells were not transplantable into nude mice but were successfully done in the cheek pouch of hamster with formation of malignant lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus was detected in the HIUML cells.     

Characterization of malignant mesenchymal cell line (UISO-RS-3) derived from a human rhabdomyosarcoma and inhibition by pharmacologic doses of estrogen

Summary A new tumor cell line has been established from a malignant pleural effusion in a 28-yr-old female patient with a primary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the left buttock. The in vitro and in vivo growth characteristics, morphologic features, abnormal karyotype, and immunohistochemical staining pattern indicate that this cell line is comprised of primitive malignant mesenchymal cells derived from a human rhabdomyosarcoma. Receptor studies done on tumors grown in male athymic mice revealed a single class of high affinity saturable cytoplasmic estrogen receptor (Bmax 2.6 fm/mg cytosol protein, Kd 0.34 mM). Likewise, sucrose density gradient analysis demonstrated specific low-capacity, high-affinity estradiol binding predominately in the 8S region. Cell growth in monolayer culture and on soft agar in the presence of estradiol was inhibited by pharmacologic concentrations of estradiol in a dose-responsive manner compared with control. We describe a newly characterized malignant mesenchymal cell line derived from an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma that is inhibited by pharmacologic doses of estradiol in vitro. These findings suggest further investigation into the mechanism(s) of this estrogen-induced inhibition in rhabdomyosarcomas.     

Establishment and characterization of JHUCS-1 cell line derived from carcinosarcoma of the human uterus

The cell line designed JHUCS-1 was established from a carcinosarcoma (malignant mixed mesodermal tumor) of the uterus that was surgically removed from a 57-year-old Japanese woman. We carefully examined the histopathology of the original tumor after the cell line was established and noted differentiation into a neuroendocrine carcinoma within the tumor's epithelial components. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumorous tissue that had been heterotransplanted was positive for Leu7. Additionally, secretary granules were observed in the grafted cells as determined by electron microscopy. These results support the existence of neuroendocrine cells within the JHUCS-1 cell line.     

Establishment and characterization of a cell line from the american opossum (Didelphys virginiana)

Summary A permanent tissue-cultured cell line (designated OK) has been established from kidney tissue of an adult American opossum. The OK line has been characterized with respect to morphology, chromosome constitution, tissue-culture requirements, and attainable mitotic arrest. The cells are epithelial-like with a stable nondiploid chromosomal modal number of 23. Cells grown in Eagle's minimal essential medium with 10% fetal bovine serum have a mean doubling time of 18 hr. The cell line OK is potentially useful for the isolation and purification of the mammalian X chromosome because of the size differential between the smaller X's and the larger autosomes. This work was supported by NIH grant HD-04420.     

Establishment and characterization of a cell line derived from a human serous surface papillary carcinoma of the ovary

A novel serous surface papillary carcinoma of the ovary (SSPC) cell line, HYKSSPC, was established successfully. Carcinoma cells were obtained from ascitic fluid of a 60-year-old Japanese woman. The population doubling time was 51.4 h. A phase contrast micrograph showed a pavement stone-like arrangement without contact inhibition. The chromosome number showed a wide distribution of aneuploidy, and the mode was in 46-47. An immunocytochemical study showed that CA125, BerER4 and cytokeratin were positive and that CEA, calretinin and thrombomodulin were negative. This cell line preserved some characters of the adenocarcinoma while growing in vitro. A chemosensitivity test revealed that HYKSSPC cells were sensitive to CDDP (cis-platinum), 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C, paclitaxel and irinotecan. To our knowledge, HYKSSPC is the first established cell line derived from SSPC, and it may offer some useful information for investigating this disease.