Characterization of a newly established cell line derived from human adrenocortical carcinoma

Abstract

Background: ACT-1, a new cell line of human adrenocortical carcinoma, has been established and successfully maintained in culture. This study examined the biological characteristics of the cells. Methods:The tumor cells were isolated from a surgical specimen of the tumor thrombus and cultured in monolayer.Results: Histologically, the primary tumor was composed of a solid proliferation of large polygonal cells. A part of the atrophic adrenal cortex remained at the periphery of the tumor. The cultured ACT-1 cells were spindle-shaped in morphology and grew exponentially with an approximate population doubling time of 24 h. A chromosomal analysis revealed a modal number of 61 with consistent structural abnormalities of add(3)(q11), add(9)(p11), and add(16)(q11). The expression of 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was observed in the ACT-1 cells as well as in normal human adrenal glands. Conclusions:The ACT-1 cell line provides a reproducible model system which gives good insight into the oncogenesis of adrenocortical carcinoma.

Human adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines

“…ACT-1 cells were only shown to express HSD3B2 enzymes, and were devoid of any adrenocortical steroid production (Ueno et al, 2001). Thus, ACT-1 cells have limited adrenocortical function and therefore serve in a restricted role for adrenal steroidogenic studies (Table 1).…”

Primary Cultures and Cell Lines for <i>In Vitro</i> Modeling of the Human Adrenal Cortex

“…There are several other adrenal cell lines that include SW13 (Fig. 2F) (Leibovitz et al 1973), CAR47 (Nesterova et al 2008), ACT-1 (Ueno et al 2001), RL-251 (Schteingart et al 2001), pediatric adrenocortical adenoma derived cell line (Almeida et al 2008) and SV40 transformed adrenal cell lines (Hornsby et al 1989). Of note, the SW13 cell line, possibly derived from a neuroendocrine carcinoma in the adrenal gland, is not an adrenocortical model since the cells produce no steroids and do not have detectable levels of steroidogenic enzymes .…”

Caracterização molecular e funcional de células de tumores adrenocorticais humanos.

“…No entanto, a dependência de apenas um modelo como uma fonte de estudos é uma limitação, o que exige o desenvolvimento de culturas adicionais (Wang, Rainey 2012). As culturas SW-13, L-251, ACT-1, também existentes não produzem esteróides e não respondem ao ACTH, K+ ou AngII (Leibovitz et al, 1973;Schteingart et al, 2001;Ueno et al, 2001).…”