A novel PNET cell line with melanotic differentiation

The primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) cell line, ONS-99, was established from a human melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI). ONS-99 cells were polygonal adherent cells and transplantable to BALB/c-nu/nu mouse. ONS-99 cells were positive for NSE, HMB-45 (melanoma-associated antigen) and N-myc, but lacked the antigenic features of terminally differentiated neurons or glias. ONS-99 cells had many intermediate filaments in the cytoplasm and tight intercellular junctions with scant cytoplasmic structures by electron microscopy. To date, ONS-99 is the only example of an established PNET cell line with melanotic differentiation.