Alteration of Epithelial Properties by Culture Condition in HPV16 E6/E7-immortalized Human Oral Keratinocytes

Abstract

Cellular microenvironment is an essential issue for regulating epithelial characteristics through the alteration of intricate signaling pathways and intercellular communications in different cell types. Thus, microenvironment influences tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between microenvironment and epithelial property in HPV16 E6/E7-immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOKs). To investigate characteristics of IHOK cultured in different media, two media were used, which included keratinocyte growth media (KGM), F-medium composed of 3:1 ratio of DMEM and F-12 (P media) supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. Proliferative property and invasive and migratory activity were observed. As results, proliferating activities of IHOK in different culture condition were changed. Likewise, migratory and invasive activities were also different depending on media types. These results suggest that cellular microenvironment can affect modification of biological properties of epithelial cells.