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Characterization of a set of Chinese hamster ovary variant cell lines demonstrating differing sensitivity to

B L Kuehl1, M Buchwald, A M Rauth

  • 1Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Oncology Research
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Investigating Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines revealed that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) activity, not NADPH:cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase (P450R), influences mitomycin C (MMC) sensitivity, particularly under chronic exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines exhibit varying sensitivities to mitomycin C (MMC).
  • Understanding the factors controlling MMC sensitivity is crucial for cellular research and drug development.
  • Previous studies indicated differences in MMC sensitivity among related CHO cell lines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms controlling differential sensitivity to mitomycin C (MMC) in related Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines.
  • To determine the role of specific enzymes, such as NADPH:cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase (P450R) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase), in MMC sensitivity.
  • To assess the influence of aerobic and hypoxic conditions on MMC toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized five related CHO cell lines, including CHO-K1R derivatives and a wild-type CHO-K1TOR line.
  • Employed a 10-day colony forming assay to assess cellular sensitivity to MMC under continuous exposure.
  • Evaluated MMC sensitivity under acute aerobic and hypoxic exposure conditions.
  • Measured activities of NADPH:cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase (P450R) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase).
  • Assessed levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) to evaluate oxygen homeostasis.

Main Results:

  • A 15-fold range in MMC sensitivity was observed among the five CHO cell lines under chronic exposure.
  • Acute aerobic and hypoxic exposures reduced the range of MMC sensitivities.
  • No correlation was found between P450R activity and MMC sensitivity.
  • Similar reduced glutathione (GSH) levels across cell lines indicated oxygen homeostasis was not a primary factor.
  • A significant correlation existed between DT-diaphorase activity and MMC sensitivity under chronic exposure.
  • High DT-diaphorase levels correlated with reduced oxygen modulation of MMC toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • DT-diaphorase activity, not P450R, is a key determinant of MMC sensitivity in CHO cells, especially under chronic exposure.
  • Aerobic enzymatic activation of MMC may contribute to varying sensitivities.
  • Oxygen's role in modulating MMC toxicity is influenced by DT-diaphorase levels.

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