Establishment and characterization of cell lines derived from uterine malignant mixed Müllerian tumor

We report the establishment and characterization of three new cell lines derived from uterine malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT).

Three uterine MMMT cell lines from primary tumors of Korean patients were cultured and the involved cell morphology, growth properties, DNA profiles, immunohistochemical properties, tumor-associated antigen secretion, and genetic alterations of related oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were studied as well.

Three MMMT cell lines were successfully established including one homologous tumor SNU-539 and two heterologous tumors SNU-685 and SNU-1077. All lines showed substrate adherence and high viability and were proven by DNA fingerprinting analysis to be unique. Contamination by mycoplasma and bacteria was excluded. SNU-539 and SNU-1077 cells stained positively for both epithelial and mesenchymal antigens, while SNU-685 cells only stained positively for mesenchymal antigens. The level of secretion of tumor-associated antigens, CA125 and CEA, was shown to be undetectable in all three lines. One missense mutation from AAC to GAC at codon 239 of exon 7 in the p53 gene was identified in SNU-539.

These newly established and characterized permanent uterine MMMT cell lines might be regarded as valuable resources for a multitude of in vitro investigations, which should be used for clarifying the obscure histogenetic origin and understanding the biological behavior of this aggressive tumor.