Cell Proliferation of HT29 and HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cell and Their Tumor Formation in Nude Mice

PurposeTo compare the proliferation of HT29 and HCT116 cell lines cultured in vitro and the tumorigenesis after transplantation in nude mice.

MethodsThe viability of colorectal cancer cells HT29 and HCT116 were detected, observing the morphology of clonogenic experimental cells, and detecting the expression levels of p53 and p21 proteins in the two cell lines. The two cell lines were transplanted under the right groin of nude mice, observing the growth of the transplanted tumor, and recording the weight and volume of the transplanted tumor.

ResultsCompare with HT29 cells, the proliferation rate of HCT116 cells in vitro was extremely significantly higher (P<0.01), the expression level of p21 protein was normal, but the expression level of p53 protein was extremely significantly lower (P<0.01); in the presence of doxorubicin, the expression level of p21 protein in HCT116 cell line was extremely significantly higher (P<0.01). The number of transplanted HCT116 cells within 14 days had no significant effect on the body weight of nude mice (P>0.05). Under the amount of inoculation of per mice by 4×10⁵ and 2×10⁶, the tumor volume of nude mice transplanted with HT29 cells was significantly higher than that of HCT116 cells (P<0.05).

ConclusionIn vitro, the proliferation rate of HCT116 cells is significantly higher than that of HT29 cells. However, in vivo, HT29 cells transplanted into nude mice are more likely to form tumors than HCT116 cells. The molecular mechanism may be related to the high expression of p53 protein and the low expression of downstream p21 protein caused by p53 gene mutation in HT29 cells. Higher concentrations of cancer cells are more conducive to tumor formation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the construction of colorectal cancer animal model and its further application.