Establishment and characterization of amylase-producing lung adenocarcinoma cell line, IMEC-2.

BACKGROUND Few studies have successfully established an amylase-producing lung cancer cell line or have examined its cytological, biochemical and biological features. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cancer cells, isolated from pleural effusion using a gradient method, were cultivated. RESULTS Amylase production from the newly established cell line was confirmed by positive staining for alpha-amylase and increased amylase levels in the culture supernatant. Electron microscopy revealed zymogen granule-like structures. Sialylation of salivary-type amylase was confirmed directly from the cell line by examining the neuraminidase sensitivity and amylase elution profile under high-performance liquid chromatography. Neither EGFR or KRAS mutation were found. CONCLUSION This cell line offers a useful tool for analyzing the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of amylase-producing lung cancers. Moreover, it might be useful for probing the metastasis and invasiveness of lung cancer cells and for developing an early diagnostic method based on sialylated salivary-amylase production.