Characterization of a newly established cell line (JR-St) derived from human gastric signet ring cell cancer, producing tumor markers.

Despite the importance of in vitro study of gastric cancer, there are very few established cell lines derived from human gastric carcinoma. We have recently established a new cell line derived from human gastric cancer which has the ability to produce tumor markers. This cell line has been designated JR-St. This cell line was derived from the cerebrospinal fluid of a 37-yr-old female patient who had metastatic brain tumor of signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma. This cell line has been maintained for more than 24 months through 80 passages with stable growth. PAS staining showed intracellular mucin granules. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed cells with numerous microvilli and fine projections as well as intracellular granules, indicating mucin. This cell line had the ability to produce high concentrations of tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9. Thus Thus this cell line should provide a very useful tool for the investigation of gastric cancer such as analysis of tumor markers as well as effects of anti-cancer drugs or growth factors.