Genetic Analyses of Primary Liver Cancer Cell Lines: Correspondence With Morphological Features of Original Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Advancements in genetic analysis technologies have led to establishment of molecular classifications systems for primary liver cancers. The correlation between pathological morphology and genetic mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming increasingly evident. To construct appropriate experimental models, it is crucial to select cell lines based on their morphology and genetic mutations. In this study, we conducted comprehensive genetic analyses of primary liver cancer cell lines and examined their correlations with morphology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen primary liver cancer cell lines established in our Department were investigated. Eleven cell lines were HCC cell lines, whereas 2 were combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) cell line characteristics. Whole exome sequencing and fusion gene analyses were conducted using a next generation sequencing platform. We also examined correlations between cell mutations and morphological findings and conducted experiments to clarify the association between morphological findings and genetic alterations.

RESULTS: Mutations in TP53, HMCN1, PCLO, HYDIN, APOB, and EYS were found in 11, 5, 4, 4, 3, and 3 cell lines, respectively. CTNNB1 mutation was not identified in any cell line. The original tumor of four cell lines (KYN-1, KYN-2, KYN-3, and HAK-6) showed morphologically macrotrabecular massive patterns and these cell lines harbor TP53 mutations. Two cell lines (KYN-2 and KMCH-2) showed an extremely high tumor mutation burden. These two cell lines possess ultra-mutations associated with DNA repair and/or DNA polymerase.

CONCLUSION: The study identified correlations between morphological findings and genetic mutations in several HCC cell lines. Cell lines with unique genetic mutations were found. This information will be a valuable tool for the selection of suitable experimental models in HCC research.