Human cancer cell lines: Experimental models for cancer cells in situ? For cancer stem cells?

Established human cancer cell lines are routinely used as experimental models for human cancers. Their validity for such use is analyzed and discussed, with particular focus on thyroid tumors. Although cell lines retain some properties of the cells of origin, from the points of view of their genetic...

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Published inBiochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1795; no. 2; pp. 92 - 103
Main Authors van Staveren, W.C.G., Solís, D.Y. Weiss, Hébrant, A., Detours, V., Dumont, J.E., Maenhaut, C.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.04.2009
Subjects
Biological Evolution
Cancer stem cell
Cell Line, Tumor - drug effects
Evolution
Human cancer cell line
Humans
Neoplastic Stem Cells - drug effects
Oncogene addiction
Oncogenes
Opportunities
Phenotype
Pitfall
Cancer stem cell
Evolution
Opportunities
Human cancer cell line
Oncogene addiction
Pitfall
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Summary:Established human cancer cell lines are routinely used as experimental models for human cancers. Their validity for such use is analyzed and discussed, with particular focus on thyroid tumors. Although cell lines retain some properties of the cells of origin, from the points of view of their genetics, epigenetics and gene expression, they show clear differences in these properties compared to in vivo tumors. This can be explained by a prior selection of initiating cells and a Darwinian evolution in vitro. The properties of the cell lines are compared to those of the postulated cancer stem cells and their use as models in this regard are discussed. Furthermore, other proper and possible uses of the cell lines are discussed.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-3
content type line 23
ObjectType-Review-1
ISSN:0304-419X
0006-3002
1879-2561
1878-2434
DOI:10.1016/j.bbcan.2008.12.004