Characterization of a cell line (SW756) derived from a human squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

An established cell line, SW756, derived from a primary squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix is described by its morphology, ultrastructure, karyotype, genetic signature analysis, HLA typing, and tumorigenesis in the nude mouse. Cultured cells obtained from the SW756 derived nude mouse tumor also were studied for chromosome and isozyme markers. The original tumor was poorly differentiated carcinoma with minimal keratinization and is compared with that occurring in the nude mouse after the cultured cells were inoculated. The nude mouse tumor showed similar histological features, but better differentiation than the original tumor. Karyotype analysis of SW756 demonstrated a hyperdiploid stem line number and several marker chromosomes (MI-M6). No HeLa marker chromosomes were identified. The isozyme pattern for SW756 reported by others has been confirmed. The unique chromosome and isozyme features have been identified repeatedly in the cultured cells and, most importantly, in the post nude mouse culture. We recommend SW756 as a defined human tumorigenic cell line derived from a primary squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix.