SK HEP-1: a human cell line of endothelial origin.
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.
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ohio 45267.
S C
SC
Heffelfinger
H H
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Hawkins
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J
Barrish
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L
Taylor
G J
GJ
Darlington
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D002460:Cell Line; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000235:genetics; D019040:E-Selectin; D004727:Endothelium / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007621:Karyotyping; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018396:Mucin-1; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000235:genetics; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D003176:Complement C3; D019040:E-Selectin; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D018396:Mucin-1; D014746:Vimentin; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D014841:von Willebrand Factor