title: Characterization of a new continuous cell line derived from a human retinoblastoma.
abstract: A new continuous cell line derived from a human retinoblastoma has been established. This cell line, WERI-RB1, has been maintained in vitro since December 1974. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize WERI-Rb1 on the basis of morphology, growth, tumorigenicity, cytogenetics, and to compare this cell line with Y79, a human retinoblastoma cell line established at another institution. Morphologically, both cell lines were similar; each spontaneously grew as a suspension of small round cells in grapelike clusters. Each exhibited growth of cells in rosettes, as well as unusual chain formations. Growth rates differed: the population-doubling times for WERI-Rb1 and Y79 were 96 and 33 hr, respectively. When the negative surface charge on a plastic tissue culture flask was changed, each cell line grew as a monolayer. Y79 could be cloned in soft agar; WERI-Rb1 could not. An inoculm of 10(7) WERI-Rb1 or Y79 cells produced a retinoblastoma in test rabbits. Karyological examination showed each cell line to have a stable, near diploid chromosome number. Although large markers were observed in each line, they shared no common marker.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002901:Chromosomes, Human, 13-15; D003470:Culture Media; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media