Document Details

Document Type : Article In Journal 
Document Title :
Progenitor cell line (hPheo1) derived from a human pheochromocytoma tumor
Progenitor cell line (hPheo1) derived from a human pheochromocytoma tumor
 
Document Language : English 
Abstract : BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors generally arising in the medullary region of the adrenal gland. These tumors release excessive epinephrine and norepinephrine resulting in hypertension and cardiovascular crises for which surgery is the only definitive treatment. Molecular mechanisms that control tumor development and hormone production are poorly understood, and progress has been hampered by the lack of human cellular model systems. To study pheochromocytomas, we developed a stable progenitor pheochromocytoma cell line derived from a primary human tumor. METHODS: After IRB approval and written informed consent, human pheochromocytoma tissue was excised, minced, dispersed enzymatically, and cultured in vitro. Primary pheochromocytoma cells were infected with a lentivirus vector carrying the catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The hTERT immortalized cells (hPheo1) have been passaged >300 population doublings. The resulting cell line was characterized morphologically, biochemically and for expression of neuroendocrine properties. The expression of marker enzymes and proteins was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting. Telomerase activity was determined by using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. RESULTS: We have established a human pheochromocytoma precursor cell line that expresses the neuroendocrine marker, chromogranin A, when differentiated in the presence of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), nerve growth factor (NGF), and dexamethasone. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) expression is also detected with this differentiation regimen. CD-56 (also known as NCAM, neural cell adhesion molecule) is expressed in these cells, but CD31 (also known as PECAM-1, a marker of endothelial cells) is negative. CONCLUSIONS: We have maintained hTERT-immortalized progenitor cells derived from a pheochromocytoma (hPheo1) in culture for over 300 population doublings. This progenitor human cell line is normal diploid except for a deletion in the p16 region and has inducible neuroendocrine biomarkers. These cells should be a valuable reagent for studying mechanisms of tumor development and for testing novel therapeutic approaches. 
ISSN : 1932-6203 
Journal Name : PLoS One 
Volume : 8 
Issue Number : 6 
Publishing Year : 1434 AH
2013 AD
 
Article Type : Article 
Added Date : Wednesday, April 6, 2016 

Researchers

Researcher Name (Arabic)Researcher Name (English)Researcher TypeDr GradeEmail
Hans K GhayeeGhayee, Hans K Investigator  
Vikash J BhagwandinBhagwandin, Vikash J Researcher  
Victor StastnyStastny, Victor Researcher  
Arielle ClickClick, Arielle Researcher  
Liang-Hao DingDing, Liang-Hao Researcher  
Dario MizrachiMizrachi, Dario Researcher  
Ying S ZouZou, Ying S Researcher  
Jerry W. ShayShay, Jerry W. Researcher  

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