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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Chromosome 18 suppresses the tumorigenicity of prostate cancer cells
S S Padalecki1, T L Johnson-Pais, A M Killary
1Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Abstract:
Microcell-mediated chromosome transfer allows for the introduction of normal chromosomes into tumor cells in an effort to identify putative tumor suppressor genes. We have used this approach to introduce an intact copy of chromosome 18 into the prostate cancer cell line DU145, and independently to introduce human chromosomes 8 and 18 into the prostate cancer cell line TSU-PR1. Introduction of an extra copy of human chromosome 8 had no effect on the growth properties in vitro or the tumorigenicity in vivo of TSU-PR1 cells. However, microcell hybrids containing an introduced copy of human chromosome 18 exhibited a longer population doubling time, retarded growth in soft agar, and slowed tumor growth in athymic nude mice. These experiments provide functional evidence for the presence of one or more tumor suppressor genes on human chromosome 18 that are involved in prostate cancer.
Insights
Researchers introduced chromosome 18 into prostate cancer cells, finding it suppressed tumor growth. This identifies potential tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 18 critical for prostate cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Identifying tumor suppressor genes is crucial for understanding cancer.
- Prostate cancer is a significant health concern with complex genetic underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify tumor suppressor genes involved in prostate cancer using microcell-mediated chromosome transfer.
- To investigate the functional role of specific human chromosomes in prostate cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Microcell-mediated chromosome transfer was used to introduce normal human chromosomes (8 and 18) into prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and TSU-PR1).
- The effects of chromosome introduction on cell growth in vitro (population doubling time, soft agar assay) and tumorigenicity in vivo (athymic nude mice) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Introduction of human chromosome 8 into TSU-PR1 cells did not alter their growth or tumorigenicity.
- Microcell hybrids with an introduced copy of human chromosome 18 showed significantly reduced growth rates and tumor formation.
- These findings indicate the presence of tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 18 that inhibit prostate cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Human chromosome 18 contains one or more genes that function as tumor suppressors in prostate cancer.
- This study provides functional evidence supporting the role of chromosome 18 in regulating prostate cancer growth and tumorigenicity.
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