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An in vitro model to study mesenchymal-epithelial transformation
1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 10, 1998
Summary
Mesenchymal-epithelial transformation (MET) was studied using SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells. These cells converted to an epithelial phenotype, revealing a potential system for identifying MET-related genes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mesenchymal-epithelial transformation (MET) is crucial for organism embryogenesis.
- Understanding MET mechanisms is vital for developmental and cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a cell line capable of undergoing MET for mechanistic studies.
- To investigate the role of hepatic growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF) signaling in MET.
Main Methods:
- Identification and culture of a cloned human chondrosarcoma cell line (SW1353).
- Induction of MET under defined culture conditions.
- Analysis of cell morphology, aggregation, and expression of HGF/SF and its receptor (c-Met).
Main Results:
- SW1353 cells, initially fibroblast-like, transformed into cells with an epithelial phenotype.
- Transformed cells exhibited cobblestone-like aggregates and characteristic epithelial features.
- SW1353 cells secreted HGF/SF and expressed high levels of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal cells can express the c-Met proto-oncogene product.
- The SW1353 cell culture system offers a valuable model for identifying genes involved in MET.
- This system facilitates research into developmental processes and potentially cancer progression.