Further evidence to support the melanocytic origin of MDA-MB-435. Issue 5 (1st October 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellison, G; Klinowska, T; Westwood, R F R; Docter, E; French, T; Fox, J C
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 55:Issue 5(2002)
• Page Start: 294
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2002-10-01
• Subjects: MDA-MB-435 cell line -- quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction -- melanoma; ATCC, American Type Culture Collection -- DAB, diaminobenzidine -- ECACC, European Collection of Cell Cultures -- EMA, epithelial membrane antigen -- FCS, fetal calf serum -- HGF, hepatocyte growth factor -- HPRT, hypoxanthine ribosyl transferase -- NEAA, non-essential amino acids -- RT-PCR, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction -- SCID, severe combined immunodeficient; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/mp.55.5.294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Background/Aims: Until recently, the cell line MDA-MB-435 was widely accepted as originating from a breast cancer. However, microarray derived data have suggested that this cell line may in fact originate from an occult melanoma. This study was designed to investigate this hypothesis further. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the tissue of origin of two sublines of MDA-MB-435 (MDA-MB-435 S and MDA-MB-435 HGF). The expression of a panel of genes typical of breast cells or melanocytes was analysed. Results: The MDA-MD-435 cell lines expressed none of the genes characteristic of breast cancer cells but did express several genes commonly expressed by melanocytes. Conclusions: These results strongly suggest that MDA-MB-435 is indeed of melanoma origin.