Identification of side population cells like cancer stem cell in human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990

Abstract

Objective To isolate and identify side population (SP) cells like cancer stem cell from human pancreatic cancer cell line SW1990, for the purpose of further evaluation of their biological characteristics. Methods Cell suspension was stained with Hoechst 33342 and PI. Then SP cells were analyzed in the fluorescence activated cell sorter. Cell growth viability was measured by MTT. Stem cell marker CD133 was determined by flow cytometry. Cloning forming efficiency was determined by cloning plating. Expression of ABCG2 protein was detected by Western blot analysis. Results The proportion of SP cells was 2.7%, however it could be completely blocked by verapamil. 9 days later, the value of A492 of SP cells was 2.1, the cloning forming efficiency was (38.7 ± 6.8) % , the positive rate of CD133 was 69.63%, which were significantly higher than cells 0. 5, ( 15.5 ± 2.8)%, 16.71% of corresponding non-SP( P <0.05). The expression of ABCG2 in SP cells was significantly higher than that in non-SP cells. Conclusions SP cells existed in human pancreatic cancer cells SW1990. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Tumor stem cells; Side population cell