Induction of Squamous Differentiation by Interferon Beta in a Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-2-1994
Abstract
BACKGROUND: More than 95% of lung cancers occur in the bronchi, appearing as adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, large-cell and small-cell carcinoma, or mixed types. Generally, the least aggressive form is squamous cell lung cancer, suggesting the possibility that promotion of squamous cell differentiation may have therapeutic potential for non-small-cell lung cancer, a disease having no effective systemic therapy. Interferons are a group of glycoproteins with known antiproliferative effects, including the ability to induce differentiation in certain cases.
PURPOSE: These studies were conducted to determine whether interferon beta induces squamous cell differentiation in non-small-cell lung cancer in vitro.
METHODS: NCI-H596 adenosquamous cells were grown to confluence to maximize their differentiation potential. Growth and parameters for squamous differentiation (cross-linked envelope competence, transglutaminase activity, and relative involucrin expression) were then measured when the cells were exposed to various concentrations of interferon beta.
RESULTS: Interferon beta inhibited growth of the NCI-H596 cell line and stimulated envelope competence, involucrin expression, and type 2 transglutaminase activity. Alterations in transglutaminase activity and involucrin expression preceded induction of envelope competence and growth suppression.
CONCLUSIONS: Interferon beta suppresses the growth and stimulates markers of squamous differentiation in NCI-H596. While the mechanism(s) for such effects are unknown, the sequence of effects suggests a causal relationship between differentiation induction and subsequent growth suppression.
IMPLICATIONS: Interferon beta may have clinical usefulness in squamous differentiation strategies for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. More must be learned about the mechanisms whereby interferons and other biologic agents induce differentiation, and clinical trials will be needed to determine whether in vitro results are pertinent in vivo.
Volume
86
Issue
5
First Page
378
Last Page
383
ISSN
0027-8874
Published In/Presented At
Nair, S., Mayotte, J., Lokshin, A., & Levitt, M. (1994). Induction of squamous differentiation by interferon beta in a human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line. Journal Of The National Cancer Institute, 86(5), 378-383.
Disciplines
Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
7905929
LVHN link
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=7905929&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Peer Reviewed for front end display
Peer-Reviewed
Department(s)
Department of Medicine, Hematology-Medical Oncology Division, Department of Medicine Faculty
Document Type
Article