Cytokine production by a new undifferentiated human thyroid carcinoma cell line, FB-1

A human anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line FB-1, derived from a 68-yr-old Roman who underwent surgery for anaplastic thyroid cancer, has been established. The spindlelike cells have been proliferating stably for more than 2 yr. Karyotype analysis shows many abnormalities and many marker chromosomes have been observed. Heterotransplant of FB-1 cells into severe combined immunodeficient mice has resulted in rapidly growing tumors classified as anaplastic carcinomas, although 50% have shown areas with a trabecular pattern. FB-1 cells failed to express messenger RNA for thyroglobulin; TSH-receptor; thyroperoxidase, and placental angiogenic growth factor. Conversely, PAX8 and thyroid transcription factor 1, whose expression is thyroid specific, was kept in an FB-1 cell line at a level comparable with that observed in normal thyroid tissue. In addition, the present cell line expressed high levels of messenger RNA for high-mobility group proteins (Y) and -C. The in vitro study revealed that FB-1 cells are able to produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and medium amount of IL-6, whereas no release of IL-1-alpha, IL-1-beta, and IL-4 was observed. No modulation of cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in FB-1 cells has been observed after the addition of exogenous IL-6.