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Coordinate morphological and biochemical interconversion of human neuroblastoma cells
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) can change between neuroblastic and epithelial forms, showing bidirectional conversion. This morphological shift is linked to changes in specific neurochemical markers, revealing cell plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH exhibits distinct cell morphologies in culture.
- Understanding cell plasticity is crucial for neuroblastoma research and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morphological interconversion between neuroblastic and epithelial cells in the SK-N-SH line.
- To determine if this conversion is bidirectional.
- To assess associated neurochemical changes during interconversion.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analysis of serially isolated neuroblast clones (SH-SY, SH-SY5, SH-SY5Y) and an epithelial clone (SH-EP).
- Verification of cell origin using a specific marker chromosome.
- Assay of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase enzyme activities.
Main Results:
- Neuroblast clones converted to epithelial-like cells.
- Epithelial clone converted to neuroblastic subclones, confirmed by marker chromosome.
- Neuroblastic cells expressed catecholamine-unique enzymes; epithelial cells did not.
Conclusions:
- Human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells undergo coordinate morphological and biochemical interconversion.
- Demonstrates significant phenotypic plasticity in malignant neuronal cells.