[Malignant transformation of mouse embryonic fibroblast induced by mitochondrial DNA fragments].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the malignant transforming effect and mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments.


METHODS
Tumorigenicity of mtDNA-transformed mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH3T3) in nude mice was studied using transgenic techniques. Transformed tumors were detected by pathological examination and hybridization signals of mtDNA probe were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques.


RESULTS
Hybridization signals were observed on the nuclei of 18% - 20% NIH 3T3 cells 1 week after mtDNA fragments transforming. Tumor from mtDNA-transformed NIH 3T3 cells was developed in all 8 nude mice (8/8) respectively 2 weeks after the transformation. The pathological characteristics of the tumors developed were similar to that of fibrosarcoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Auto-integration of mtDNA fragments into nuclear genome is a new factor involved in carcinogenesis.
Hu
Y
Y
PLA Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China. floride@online.sh.cn
Qian
G
G
Mao
B
B
Xiao
T
T
Li
Y
Y
Cao
S
S
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000235:genetics
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D010446:Peptide Fragments