Heterogeneity of human breast cancer cells and their biological behavior
Tian, H-mei.; Fu, J.; Cao, D-yan.; Shi, X-Yan.; Li, J-xiu.; Shao, C-jun.; Ma, D-mei.; Huang, H.; Li, M.; Qu, P.; Liu, Z-yang.; Zhang, W.
Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 25(6): 535-537
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-3766 PMID: 14690555 Document Number: 563909
Objective To investigate the heterogeneity of human breast cancer cells, their influence on biological behavior of tumor cells and clinical implications. Methods The subpopulations of MCF-7 breast cancer cells were isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation. DNA content and cell cycle distribution were detected with flow cytometry. Tumor chemosensitivity analysis was performed with MIT assay. Results Heterogeneity was observed in DNA content and cell cycle distribution among four subpopulations of breast cancer cells, which were related to their proliferation ability and chemosensitivity results. Conclusion Hereditary instability and intrinsic characteristics of most tumor cells, not only lead to tumor progression and heterogeneity but also cause the loss of monoclonality and the generation of subclones. Further study on some profiles of tumor heterogeneity such as DNA content, cell cycle distribution and their influence on tumor proliferation and chemosensitivity may very well improve the clinical treatment.