Publication number |
CLPUB00116 |
Authors |
Leong S.S., Horoszewicz J.S., Shimaoka K., Friedmann M., Kawinski E., Song M.J., Zeigel R.F., Chu T.M., Baylin S.B., Mirand E.A. |
Title |
A new cell line for study of human medullary thyroid carcinoma. |
Citation |
(In book chapter) Advances in thyroid neoplasia; Andreoli M., Monaco H., Robbins J. (eds.); pp.95-108; Field Educational Italia; Roma; Italy (1981) |
Abstract |
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a neoplasm derived from the C-cell, an
intrathyroidal cell of neural crest origin. In addition to secreting the
calcium-regulating polypeptide (CT), this tumor reportedly also secretes
histamine, prostaglandins and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) in humans. A
number of in vitro models, including tissue slices, organ culture explants
and mixed monolayers of C-cells and other cell types in primary cultures
have been used to study the factors regulating the functions of normal and
neoplastic C-cells. Experimental studies on the available models of trout
and rodent C-cell cultures and transplantable rodent tumors are highly
useful in providing us with a better understanding of calcitonin secretion
and regulation as well as C-cell function. A wide spectrum of preserved
biological and biochemical markers, hormonal responsiveness and secretory
responses to several substances contribute significantly to their
attractiveness as animal model systems. However, the limitations of these
systems are rooted in restrictions imposed by difficulties in direct
translation of data obtained in an animal model system into the language
of human disease. None of the reported cell lines derived from human
thyroid medullary carcinoma have gained wide acceptance as fully suitable
human models since they were either short term cultures or lost the
characteristic marker, calcitonin, after being in culture for several
months. This paper describes a new cell line which we have established in
vitro from a specimen obtained by needle biopsy of a patient-with thyroid
medullary carcinoma. This cell line which we designated 'TT' has been
continuously cultivated in vitro since 1978. In culture these cells secret
high levels of calcitonin and embryonic antigen. When injected into the
nude mice, they produce rapidly growing tumors. Thus, this cell line may
be useful as a model for biochemical and physiological studies on human
medullary thyroid carcinoma as well as human calcitonin secretion and its
regulation.
|
Cell lines |
CVCL_1774; TT |