TSU-Pr1 and JCA-1 cells are derivatives of T24 bladder carcinoma cells andare not of prostatic origin

We have shown previously that the putative prostate carcinoma cell lines TS U-Pr1 and JCA-1 share a common origin. The observation that these cell line s have p53 and Ha-ras mutations identical to those in bladder carcinoma cel l line T24 prompted us to investigate their possible interrelations. We use d cytogenetics and DNA profiling to compare the genetic backgrounds of the three cell lines. At least 12 structural chromosomal abnormalities are shar ed between T24, TSU-Pr1, and JCA-1 cells. DNA profiles were identical for a ll three cell lines. These results clearly indicate that the cell lines TSU -Pr1 and JCA-1 are not of prostatic origin but are derivatives of the bladd er carcinoma cell line T24. TSU-Pr1 and, to a lesser extent, JCA-1 are freq uently used as models in prostate cancer research, and numerous publication s have appeared based on these lines. Several other T24 cross-contaminants have been identified in the past, and some of these, such as ECV304, contin ue to be used under the wrong identity. Our findings highlight the insidiou s problem that can occur when information regarding cross-contamination doe s not reach individual researchers and/or the importance of the problem is not fully acknowledged.