Analysis of cell surface proteins delineates a differentiation pathway linking endocrine and nonendocrine human lung cancers.
We have previously determined that the cell surface protein phenotype distinguishes human small cell lung carcinoma (SCC), a neoplasm with endocrine properties, from non-SCC in culture. We now demonstrate that cloned cell cultures of human large cell undifferentiated lung carcinoma, established directly from a patient with mixed SCC and non-SCC, simultaneously express surface proteins characteristic of SCC and non-SCC lung cancer cells. Hence, SCC and a form of large cell carcinoma appear linked through a continuum of differentiation events that: (i) may explain clinically important transitions that occur between the major types of human lung cancer and (ii) provide evidence for a common cellular origin of endocrine and nonendocrine cells in the bronchial mucosa.
D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing) / Q000032:analysis; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000032:analysis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis; D002999:Clone Cells; D004296:Dopa Decarboxylase / Q000032:analysis; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004723:Endorphins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D002116:Calcitonin; D006631:Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing); D004296:Dopa Decarboxylase