Characterization of the Subpopulations of Rat Ascites Hepatoma AH109A Cells With Different Invasive and Metastatic Activities

We have found that there are two populations in rat ascites hepatoma cell line of AH109A which have different invasive and metastatic activities. We have also obtained two candidate genes that may determine the differences between these two populations. We plan to identify the precise functions of these two genes and continue to screen other candidates. We will also examine in more detail the biological characteristics of the two populations, such as the regulation of adhesion molecules and cytoskeletons. Such studies will help our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor invasion and metastasis.