Establishment and Characterization of a New Human Testicular Seminoma Cell Line, JKT‐1

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Abstract
Background: A new human testicular cancer cell line (JKT‐1) was established, successfully transplanted into nude mice, and has been maintained for over 2 years. We examined the biological characteristics of JKT‐1 cells. Methods: The original material for JKT‐1 was derived from a primary lesion of a left testicular seminoma (pure, typical‐type) from a 40‐year‐old male. The tumor tissue was minced and cultured according to the explant culture method. The cells grew as a monolayer with a doubling time of 28.5 hours. Results: JKT‐1 produced neither alpha‐fetoprotein or β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, but showed strong immunoreactivities for vimentin and placental alkaline phosphatase. A chromosomal analysis revealed a modal number of 66 with loss of the Y chromosome. Morphologically, JKT‐1 cells have a pleomorphic polygonal shape, an increase in the nuclear/cytoplasm ratio, and poor development of organelle and desmosome‐like cell‐cell junctions. JKT‐1 cells were subcutaneously transplanted into the backs of 6‐week‐old nude mice, and grew classical seminomatous tissue. Conclusion: This report profiled a seminoma cell line established for both in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Future studies are planned to investigate germ cells using this seminoma line.