Cytogenetic studies on a human rectal carcinoma cell line (HR-8348)

Cytogenetic properties of a human rectal carcinoma cell line (HR-8348) established in China are described. The early (29th passage) and late (93rd passage) passage cells were used for chromosome analysis. HR-8348 was found to have an essentially triploid karyotype. This distribution of chromosome numbers was rather dispersed in early passage, whereas it was concentrated in the 65-70 range in late passage. G-banded karyotype analysis also showed that the numerical distribution of chromosomes was dispersed in early passage and was associated with more abnormal chromosomes. In late passage, the numerical distribution became more stable and the number of abnormal chromosomes was reduced. In 60 metaphases analyzed, 10 marker chromosomes were found. The frequencies of M1, M2 and M3 were 100% in both early and late passage cells. The morphological characteristics of these marker chromosomes and their possible origin and role in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma are discussed.