Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:18
Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-initiating Cells from Sarcoma Patient-derived Xenografts
Published on: June 13, 2019
Characterisation of a myofibroblast-like cell line from an angiosarcoma
G Cockerill1, O Wiebkin, R Krishnan
1INST MED & VET SCI,HANSON CTR CANC RES,ADELAIDE,SA 5000,AUSTRALIA. ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSP,DEPT MED,ADELAIDE,SA 5000,AUSTRALIA. ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSP,DEPT ORTHOPAED SURG,ADELAIDE,SA 5000,AUSTRALIA. QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSP,DEPT TRANSPLANTAT IMMUNOL,ADELAIDE,SA 5011,AUSTRALIA.
International Journal of Oncology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
A new cell line, ASMM, derived from angiosarcoma exhibits myofibroblast-like characteristics. High production of hyaluronate (HA) and CD44 expression in ASMM may contribute to tumor aggressiveness.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Angiosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma.
- Characterizing novel cell lines aids in understanding tumor biology and developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a new cell line (ASMM) from human angiosarcoma.
- To investigate the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of ASMM cells.
Main Methods:
- Serial passage of angiosarcoma cells for establishing the ASMM cell line.
- Morphological, karyological, and growth characteristic assessments.
- Immunocytochemical analysis of cytoskeletal proteins, adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), and hyaluronate receptor (CD44).
- Assessment of hyaluronate (HA) synthesis and in vitro tube formation assays.
Main Results:
- ASMM cells exhibit fibroblast-like morphology, normal diploid karyology, and are non-tumorigenic in nude mice.
- Cells express desmin, vimentin, and low alpha-smooth muscle actin, with upregulation by TGF-beta.
- ASMM cells show high expression of CD44 and synthesize significant levels of HA.
- Expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 is modulated by TNF-alpha and TGF-beta; endothelial markers (vWF, CD31, CD34) are absent.
Conclusions:
- The ASMM cell line represents a partially transformed myofibroblast-like population.
- High HA production and CD44 expression in ASMM may correlate with the original tumor's aggressiveness.
- ASMM provides a valuable model for studying angiosarcoma biology and potential therapeutic targets.
