Detección y aislamiento de células inmaduras neuronales a partir de líneas celulares de tumores del sistema nervioso

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays it is suggested that the theory of carcinogenesis established along the last decades, according to which cancer is produced by the accumulation of mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes might be questioned in favor of a more complete theory that includes the participation of the so called tumor stem cells. These cells would represent those in charge of initiating and maintaining the tumor; with their own capacity of differentiation and autorenewal. Objective: To determine the phenotype of differentiation markers and the possible existence of immature cells (maybe stem cells) in cell lines of tumors of the nervous system. Material and methods: The level of expression of CD133, nestine, Musashi-1, FAS, NCAM1 and GFAP genes was studied in 27 cell lines of tumors of the nervous system by semiquantitative RT-PCR and cytometry. The neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32 was subjected to cell separation by SdFFF. Results:We could separate different subclones or cells in different stages of differentiation in the neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32. The correct description of these cells might be relevant to set up chemoterapeutic or gene therapy treatments specifically targeted against the most immature subclones, that might correspond (or not) to tumor stem cells