Characterization of human larynx carcinoma cell lines HLaC'79 and HLaC'82: a common origin but diverged malignancies.

As part of a study on the relationship of tumour phenotype and behaviour, we have characterized two head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, derived from human laryngeal carcinomas and designated HLaC'79 and HLaC'82. Cytogenetic analysis revealed that HLaC'79 and HLaC'82 shared 10 major chromosome rearrangements indicating that the cell lines had a common origin. In the extremely complex chromosomal patterns, abnormalities were found in chromosomes 1, 3 (surplus 3q) and 5 (i(5p) x 2). Both cell lines displayed constitutive expression of vimentin and were capable of anchorage-independent growth in agarose gels. However, in spite of their common origin specific differences were found. Cells of HLaC'79 were spindle shaped and formed tumours in athymic mice. In contrast, cells of HLaC'82 had a compact morphology, contained less vimentin, were more contact inhibited and were not tumorigenic. These results indicate that malignant transformation in HLaC'82 was partially reversed.