Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis
Published on: December 14, 2015
Spontaneous transformation of a clonal population of dermis-derived multipotent cells in culture
Chunmeng Shi1, Yue Mai, Ying Zhu
1Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, People's Republic of China. shicm1010@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract:
It is reported that adult multipotent stem cells can undergo spontaneous transformation after long-term in vitro culture. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in this spontaneous transformation process can help in the design of future therapeutic applications. By far, the transformation process of adult multipotent stem cell is not well understood. In this study, a tumorigenic cell line nominated TDMC1 was established from a clonal population of rat dermis-derived multipotent cells (DMCs) following spontaneous transformation in culture. The transformed cells could produce tumors with characteristics of fibrous histocytoma when they are inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice. The molecular profiles of the nontransformed DMCs and transformed cells were analyzed by a deoxyribonucleic acid microarray. Our results showed that the overactivation of the K-ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase signaling pathway played an important role in the transformation process. These data may be helpful to explain, at least in part, the possible mechanism for the malignant transformation of adult multipotent cells.
Insights
Adult multipotent stem cells can spontaneously transform in culture. This study identified the K-ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase pathway
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Cancer research
- Molecular mechanisms of transformation
Background:
- Adult multipotent stem cells can spontaneously transform during long-term in vitro culture.
- Understanding stem cell transformation is crucial for developing future therapeutic strategies.
- The molecular basis of adult multipotent stem cell transformation remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the spontaneous transformation of adult multipotent stem cells.
- To establish and characterize a tumorigenic cell line derived from rat dermis-derived multipotent cells (DMCs).
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a tumorigenic cell line (TDMC1) from spontaneously transformed rat DMCs.
- Subcutaneous inoculation of transformed cells into nude mice to assess tumor formation.
- Analysis of molecular profiles using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarrays for both nontransformed and transformed cells.
Main Results:
- A tumorigenic cell line, TDMC1, was successfully established from spontaneously transformed rat DMCs.
- TDMC1 cells produced fibrous histocytoma-like tumors when inoculated into nude mice.
- DNA microarray analysis revealed the overactivation of the K-ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase signaling pathway in transformed cells.
Conclusions:
- The K-ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase signaling pathway plays a significant role in the malignant transformation of adult multipotent stem cells.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving stem cell transformation.
- The established TDMC1 cell line serves as a valuable model for studying stem cell-related tumorigenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Forced Transdifferentiation
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...

