Establishment and characterization of two cell lines derived from human glioblastoma multiforme

We established and characterized two cell lines derived from glioblastoma multiforme. Both cell lines exhibited tumor cell morphology and growth kinetics and showed variable expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100, fibronectin and vimentin. Cytofluorimetrical analysis of tumor samples showed a diploid DNA distribution, whereas permanent culture cells evolved to the hyperdiploid DNA content. Karyotype studies revealed cytogenetical abnormalities described in glial tumors including gain of chromosome 7, loss of chromosome 10 and presence of double minutes (DMs). Enhanced expression of Ha-ras and c-myc genes resulted from high p-21 and p-62 levels. The contemporary presence of TGF-alpha and EGF-Rc transcripts suggested an autocrine mechanism in the cell lines growth.