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In vitro characteristics of uveal malignant melanomas
Abstract:
During a 17-month period, 33 histologically proved posterior uveal melanomas were prepared for in vitro cultivation in our laboratory. Nine of these remained in culture from five to 12 passages. Four tumors histologically classified as heavily pigmented spindle B cell type remained as pigmented spindle cell tumors in primary culture. During subcultivation one culture lost pigmentation and exhibited mixed cells. Three other tumors, classified histologically as lightly pigmented spindle B cell type, appeared as amelanotic mixed cells in primary culture and grew as epithelioid cells during subcultivation. Two tumors classified as mixed cell type grew as spindle cells in primary culture. One of these last cultures reverted to mixed cell type on subcultivation. One cell culture has shown pigmentary and morphologic changes with variations in carbon dioxide level and media composition.
Insights
Posterior uveal melanomas cultured in vitro showed variable cell morphology and pigmentation. Tumor cell behavior in vitro can change, highlighting the need for careful culture condition monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Posterior uveal melanoma is a rare intraocular malignancy.
- Understanding the in vitro behavior of uveal melanoma cells is crucial for research.
- Limited data exists on the long-term cultivation and phenotypic stability of these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro cultivation and cellular behavior of posterior uveal melanomas.
- To assess the stability of pigment and cell morphology during serial subcultivation.
- To explore potential factors influencing melanoma cell phenotype in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three posterior uveal melanomas were subjected to in vitro cultivation.
- Cells were monitored for growth, pigmentation, and morphology across multiple passages.
- Variations in culture conditions (CO2, media) were explored in one case.
Main Results:
- Nine out of 33 melanomas were successfully cultured for 5-12 passages.
- Tumor cell types exhibited varied stability: heavily pigmented spindle B cells remained stable, while lightly pigmented and mixed cell types showed dedifferentiation and morphological changes (e.g., amelanotic, epithelioid).
- One culture demonstrated phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes.
Conclusions:
- Posterior uveal melanoma cells display significant heterogeneity in their in vitro cultivation potential and phenotypic stability.
- Cellular morphology and pigmentation can change during subcultivation, potentially influenced by culture conditions.
- These findings underscore the importance of characterizing cell lines thoroughly and considering environmental factors in uveal melanoma research.