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Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Qi, Y; Wang, JK; McMillian, M; Chikaraishi, DM
Published in: J Neurosci
February 15, 1997

A CNS catecholaminergic cell line, Cath.a, was established by targeted oncogenesis in transgenic mice. Cath.a cells express neuronal properties but lack neuronal morphology. Here, we describe a variant of Cath.a, called CAD (Cath.a-differentiated), in which reversible morphological differentiation can be initiated by removal of serum or exogenously added protein from the medium. In serum- or protein-free media, CAD cells stop proliferating and extend long processes. Differentiated CAD cells can be maintained without serum or protein for at least 6 weeks. CAD cells are distinct from Cath.a cells; most significant, the original immortalizing oncogene, SV40 T antigen, was spontaneously lost. By immunostaining or immunoblotting, we show that CAD cells express neuron-specific proteins, such as class III beta-tubulin, GAP-43, SNAP-25, and synaptotagmin, but not GFAP. Ultrastructurally, processes from differentiated CAD cells have abundant parallel microtubules and intermediate filaments, and bear varicosities that contain both large dense-core vesicles/granules (120-160 nm) and smaller clear vesicles (60-80 nm). Additionally, CAD cells express enzymatically active tyrosine hydroxylase and accumulate L-DOPA. CAD cells exhibit biochemical and morphological characteristics of primary neurons and provide an unique tool for studying neuronal differentiation.

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Published In

J Neurosci

DOI

ISSN

0270-6474

Publication Date

February 15, 1997

Volume

17

Issue

4

Start / End Page

1217 / 1225

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Oncogenes
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mice
  • Culture Media, Serum-Free
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Differentiation
 

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Qi, Y., Wang, J. K., McMillian, M., & Chikaraishi, D. M. (1997). Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation. J Neurosci, 17(4), 1217–1225. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.17-04-01217.1997
Qi, Y., J. K. Wang, M. McMillian, and D. M. Chikaraishi. “Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation.J Neurosci 17, no. 4 (February 15, 1997): 1217–25. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.17-04-01217.1997.
Qi Y, Wang JK, McMillian M, Chikaraishi DM. Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation. J Neurosci. 1997 Feb 15;17(4):1217–25.
Qi, Y., et al. “Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation.J Neurosci, vol. 17, no. 4, Feb. 1997, pp. 1217–25. Pubmed, doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.17-04-01217.1997.
Qi Y, Wang JK, McMillian M, Chikaraishi DM. Characterization of a CNS cell line, CAD, in which morphological differentiation is initiated by serum deprivation. J Neurosci. 1997 Feb 15;17(4):1217–1225.

Published In

J Neurosci

DOI

ISSN

0270-6474

Publication Date

February 15, 1997

Volume

17

Issue

4

Start / End Page

1217 / 1225

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Oncogenes
  • Neurons
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mice
  • Culture Media, Serum-Free
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Differentiation