Cell, tissue and organ culture as in vitro models to study the biology of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Abstract

In vitro models are currently being used to study head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Several hundred HNSCC cell lines have been established by various investigators and used to study a broad spectrum of questions related to head and neck cancer. The head and neck model with respect to multistage carcinogenesis is now complete. Several techniques exist for the culture of normal epithelial cells from the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT). The biology of these UADT cells (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx) is being studied. Successful culture of premalignant lesions (dysplastic mucosa, leukoplakia, erythroplakia) has resulted in establishment of a limited number of premalignant cell lines and cell cultures. HPV infection of normal oral epithelial cells for immortalization (approximately premalignant cells) coupled with transformation with carcinogens (malignant cells) has established an experimental model for progression. Two in vivo models for oral carcinogenesis, the 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced hamster cheek pouch model and the 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide rat oral model, have been established in culture. Thus, multistage carcinogenesis models have been established from both human tissues and animal models and include cultures of normal, premalignant and malignant cells. Culture techniques for growing dissociated primary tumor cells for short term experimental analysis are being used. The culture of normal or tumor tissue as organ/explant cultures allows for the maintenance of normal cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, but limits experimentation since these cultures cannot be propagated. Several three dimensional model systems are being used to obtain this histological complexity but allow for experimentation. The ability to culture normal, premalignant and malignant cells coupled with the use of a variety of culture techniques, should allow for the continued growth and experimentation in head and neck cancer research.

Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Ligands Suppress the Transcriptional Activation of Cyclooxygenase-2

“…Cells were grown to 60% confluence, trypsinized with 0.05% trypsin, 2 mM EDTA, and plated for experimental use. MSK Leuk1 cells have been described previously (48). Cells were routinely maintained in keratinocyte growth medium and passaged using 0.125% trypsin, 2 mM EDTA.…”

Inhibition of Jun NH2-Terminal Kinases Suppresses the Growth of Experimental Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…1483 HNSCC cells (13) were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 IU/mL penicillin G, and 100 Ag/mL streptomycin. The MSK-Leuk1 cell line was established from a dysplastic leukoplakia lesion adjacent to a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (14). This cell line was routinely maintained in keratinocyte growth medium supplemented with bovine pituitary extract.…”

Tobacco Smoke Induces Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator and Cell Invasiveness: Evidence for an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Dependent Mechanism

“…The MSK-Leuk1 cell line was established from a dysplastic leukoplakia lesion adjacent to a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (26). Cells were routinely maintained in keratinocyte growth medium supplemented with bovine pituitary extract.…”