Transformed and Tumor Cells Spontaneously Produce DNA-Containing Extracellular Structures In Vitro

The parameters of DNA-containing extracellular structures formed by immortalized fibroblasts and HCT116 adenocarcinoma cells during cultivation were studied. Fluorescence microscopy with SYBR Green dye was used to visualize DNA-containing extracellular structures. In contrast to intact neutrophils, immortalized fibroblasts and adenocarcinoma cells spontaneously formed DNA-containing extracellular structures during incubation. The process begins with the release of a single DNA-containing strand from the cell immediately after the cells are fixed to the substrate (1 h) and ends after 3 h with the formation of DNA-containing extracellular structures in the form of bundles of parallel fibers. These findings indicate active nature of the secretion of DNA-containing structures by immortalized fibroblasts and HCT116 adenocarcinoma cells.