The PLC/PRF/5 human hepatoma cell line. I. Reevaluation of the karyotype

The karyotype of the PLC/PRF/5 (Alexander) human hepatoma cell line was identified at passage +/- 110, prior to attempting in situ hybridization studies to determine the chromosomal localization of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration sites. The karyotype was established by means of G-, Q-, and sequential C-banding techniques. Multiple consistent numerical and structural abnormalities were detected. These were compared with the original published unbanded karyotype of this cell line (at passage less than 25) and also with a previously published banded karyotype (at passages 60-90). Despite minor differences in the compared banded karyotypes (which are probably interpretational), the concordance in modal number and morphological karyotypic similarities over the course of 10 years indicate that this cell line is stable in vitro.