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Molecular genetic study showing that the IN/157 'oligodendroglioma' cell line has been contaminated by
D J Venter1, M R Stratton, M D Noble
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, UK.
Abstract:
The IN/157 cell line was originally isolated from a human oligodendroglioma biopsy and has been used in recent years to study aspects of glioma cell biology. We established that IN/157 cells carry a relatively infrequent mutation at position three of codon 61 of the N-ras gene, suggesting that such a mutation may have contributed towards the genesis of the original tumour. However, the mutation was not detectable within the original paraffin-embedded glioma biopsy from which the cell line was supposedly derived. We thus considered the possibility that the cells had been contaminated by another cell line and, by means of DNA fingerprinting, have demonstrated that the contaminating cell line is the rhabdomyosarcoma line RD. We feel that this study makes several important points regarding experiments which make use of cell lines. We discuss the possible implications of contamination events with regard to erroneous conclusions about the biology of the cell lines and tumour types from which they supposedly derive. We also suggest ways in which future contamination-related errors can be minimized.
Insights
The IN/157 cell line, used for glioma research, was found to be contaminated with the RD cell line. This contamination challenges previous findings and highlights the need for rigorous cell line authentication in research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The IN/157 cell line, derived from a human oligodendroglioma, is utilized in glioma research.
- A specific N-ras gene mutation was identified in IN/157 cells, potentially linked to tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of the N-ras mutation in the IN/157 cell line.
- To determine the authenticity of the IN/157 cell line for glioma research.
Main Methods:
- DNA fingerprinting was employed to analyze the genetic makeup of the IN/157 cell line.
- Comparison of genetic profiles between the cell line and the original tumor biopsy.
Main Results:
- The N-ras mutation identified in IN/157 cells was absent in the original glioma biopsy.
- DNA fingerprinting confirmed that the IN/157 cell line is contaminated with the RD rhabdomyosarcoma cell line.
Conclusions:
- Cell line contamination can lead to erroneous conclusions in cancer research.
- The IN/157 cell line is not a pure oligodendroglioma line due to RD contamination.
- Implementing stringent cell line authentication protocols is crucial to prevent future research errors.