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Tumorigenicity, oncogene transfection, and radiosensitivity
1Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
The Cancer Journal From Scientific American
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Introducing foreign oncogenes can increase radioresistance in rodent cells, but this effect is not observed in human cells transformed by radiation or chemicals. Malignancy in human cells does not consistently correlate with increased radioresistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Exogenous oncogene incorporation is debated for conferring radioresistance.
- Understanding radioresistance in malignant cells is crucial for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human cell lines transformed to malignancy by gamma-rays or chemicals exhibit radioresistance.
- To assess the relevance of exogenous oncogene studies to human tumors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immortalized rodent intestinal epithelial cells, human bronchoepithelial cells, uroepithelial cells, and osteosarcoma cells.
- Transformed cells using alpha-particles, methylcholanthrine-4, or Rb gene introduction.
- Determined dose-response curves following cesium-137 gamma-ray exposure.
Main Results:
- H-ras transfection dramatically increased gamma-ray resistance in rodent cells.
- Human cell lines showed no consistent or significant change in radiosensitivity after malignant transformation.
- Malignancy induced by alpha-particles or chemical carcinogens did not alter radiosensitivity in human cells.
Conclusions:
- Findings from exogenous oncogene studies may not directly apply to human tumors.
- Malignancy induced by radiation or chemical carcinogens does not necessarily lead to increased radioresistance in human cells.