SK-UT-1 Cells

The SK-UT-1 cell line is derived from human uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), a highly aggressive form of cancer originating in the smooth muscle of the uterus. This cell line is a key model for studying tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in ULMS. SK-UT-1 cells exhibit features of sarcomas, including rapid proliferation, poor differentiation, and resistance to conventional therapies. In particular, they are used to investigate cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which play a significant role in cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. Research has identified a subpopulation of CD133+ CSCs within SK-UT-1 cells, which demonstrate enhanced self-renewal, colony formation, and resistance to apoptosis. Studies using SK-UT-1 have focused on characterizing the CD133+ CSCs, revealing their ability to form tumorspheres, a feature indicative of stem cell-like behavior. This subpopulation shows increased tumorigenic potential in vivo, where even a small number of cells (10^4) are sufficient to initiate tumor formation in xenograft models. The CD133+ cells exhibit resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, which further supports their role in therapy resistance. Additionally, elevated levels of CSC-related markers, including CD44, ALDH1, and BMI1, were found in CD133+ cells compared to their CD133? counterparts, confirming their role as cancer stem cells. SK-UT-1 cells have become a vital tool in understanding ULMS progression and in developing potential therapeutic strategies. Targeting the CD133+ cancer stem-like cell population within these tumors may offer a promising approach to improve outcomes in patients with ULMS by addressing the root causes of metastasis and chemoresistance. Reproductive system cancer cell lines, Uterine, Mixed mesodermal tumor, consistent with leiomyosarcoma (grade III), Growth Conditions: Adherent, Biosafety level: BSL 1