[Effect of ATP on malignant phenotype of a human gastric cancer cell line].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of ATP on proliferation and differentiation of a human gastric cancer cell line.


METHODS
M17, a subclone of human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803, was treated in vitro with ATP(0.23 mg/ml). After 48 hr, the following parameters were examined. (1) Proliferation of cells by daily cell counting. (2) Microvilli of the cells were observed by scanning EM. (3) Gap junction intercellular communication was examined by mechanical scraping and Lucifer dye transfer. (4) Microfilament of the cytoskeleton was studied with fluorescin-labeled phalloidin. (5) Vinculin adhesion plague was stained immunocytochemically with monoclonal antibodies.


RESULTS
ATP significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of M17 cells. The ATP-treated M17 cells showed disappearance of microvilli on the cell surface, increased gap junction intercellular communication, improved organization of microfilament bundles and reappearance of vinculin adhesion plagues.


CONCLUSIONS
ATP not only inhibits proliferation but also induces differentiation of a human gastric cancer cell line with reversion from malignant toward normal phenotype. The parameters examined could serve as useful biomarkers of human gastric cancer.
Hao
C
C
School of Clinical Oncology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing Institute for Cancer Research, Beijing 100036.
Lü
G
G
Cai
X
X
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008871:Microvilli / Q000187:drug effects; D010641:Phenotype; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D016596:Vinculin / Q000032:analysis
D016596:Vinculin; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate