SK HEP-1: A human cell line of endothelial origin

Abstract

SK-HEP-1 is an immortal, human cell line derived from the ascitic fluid of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the liver. We have determined that these cells are of endothelial origin. Despite the location of the tumor from which SK HEP-1 was derived, the cell line does not have properties of hepatocytes. Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA shows no messenger RNA for the hepatic-specific proteins albumin, alpha-fibrinogen, or gamma-fibrinogen. Endothelial characteristics are seen by transmission electron microscopy. These features include numerous pinocytotic vesicles, electron dense granules consistent with Weibel-Palade bodies, and abundant intermediate filaments, identified immunocytochemically as vimentin. Cultures grown on plastic dishes grow in bundles of polygonal to spindle-shaped cells. Proteins characteristic for endothelial cells are identified by immunocytochemistry. Addition of basement membrane material (Matrigel) or type I collagen to the cultures induces these cells to organize into a tubular network.

Cell-type specific regulation of thrombospondin-1 expression and its promoter activity by regulatory agents

“…In addition, Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA from SK-HEP-1 cells shows no mRNA for the hepatic-specific proteins such as albumin, α-or γ-fibrinogen (Heffelfinger et al, 1992). However, our results suggest that SK-HEP-1 cells indeed possess partial characteristics of liver cells at least in TSP-1 expression.…”

“…SK-HEP-1 cell was derived from ascites fluid of a patient with hepatic adenocarcinoma and was initially characterized as a human hepatocarcinoma cell line such as Hep3B cells. However, it was recently recharacterized as an endothelial cell line because of its ability to express endothelial specific proteins such as endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), vimentin, and von Willebrand factor (Heffelfinger et al, 1992). We investigated effects of IL-6 and IFN-γ that are known inducer of angiogenesis and inflammation (Fan et al, 1992), along with ATRA and PMA on the expression of TSP-1 protein level.…”

CAR- or αv integrin-binding ablated adenovirus vectors, but not fiber-modified vectors containing RGD peptide, do not change the systemic gene transfer properties in mice

“…Cells SK HEP-1 cells 29 (an endothelial cell line derived from human liver) were cultured with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). Human glioma cell lines LN319 (anaplastic astrocytoma), LN444 (glioblastoma multiforme) and SF295 cells (glioblastoma multiforme) 16 (kindly provided by Dr M Tada, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan) were cultured with DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS.…”

A simplified system for constructing recombinant adenoviral vectors containing heterologous peptides in the HI loop of their fiber knob

“…To examine the functionality of the RGD-4C peptide in the fiber of AdRGD-L2, SK HEP-1 28 and LN444 cells 29 were transduced with AdRGD-L2 or Ad-L2. Two days later, luciferase expression was determined by a luciferase assay system (PicaGene LT2.0, Toyo Inki Co. Ltd, Gene Therapy Tokyo, Japan) (Figure 4).…”