AGS Transfection Reagent (Gastic Adenocarcinoma, CRL 1739)

In the following study, researchers investigate the effect of low concentration hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the proliferation of AGS cells. AGS cells were treated with low concentrations of H2O2 for 48 hours. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to analyze the effect of H2O2 concentration gradient on the activity of AGS cells. Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathway extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein in H2O2. Results show that after applying low concentration of H2O2 treatment on AGS cells for 48 hours, EGFR protein levels and ERK protein phosphorylation levels increased significantly. These results suggest that low concentration of H2O2 can significantly increase the proliferation of AGS cells by EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. [ LINK ]

In the following study, researchers examine visfatin expression and its effect on telomerase gene expression in AGS cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosobent assay were performed to analyze visfatin expression in mRNA and protein level. Total RNA was extracted and complementary deoxyribonucleic acid was synthesized to analyze telomerase gene expression. Results show that visfatin induces AGS cell proliferation and increases telomerase (hTERT) gene expression, which suggest that expression of visfatin in real protein in real samples could be a biomarker for gastric cancer. [ LINK ]

In the following study, researchers investigated the effects of BP-1-102, a novel inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), on AGS cells. Flow cytometric analysis and Western blot analysis revealed that BP-1-102 induces apoptosis and inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and its target genes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that BP-1-102 has the potential to be used as an antitumor agent in AGS cells through the modulation of STAT3 signaling pathways. [ LINK ]

AGS cells are derived from the gastric tissue of a 54-year-old female, and represent one of the major players in the field of genomics research in gastric cancer. The cells are suitable for preclinical xenografts , and are prime subjects for transfection experiments. AGS cells have been researched extensively for pharmaceutical applications of histone deacetylase inhibition in stalling the growth of gastric cancer. They can easily serve as recipients of transfected genomic material, such as siRNA, which can be used for library screenings and the development of gene therapies specific to gastric cancer.

Altogen Biosystems is a ­global provider of transfection reagents and quality services for pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, and researchers involved in biotechnology-related fields. Biology contract research products that are offered include assay development, 28-day generation of specific stably-transfected cell lines, and other laboratory services like siRNA screening and ELISA assay development. For an AGS cell xenograft model, visit the Altogen Biosystems website.

In 1979 the AGS cell line (ATTC number CRL 1739) was established from a fragment tumor of a Causcasian female patient with gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer). Without prior treatment to the tumorigenic cells they were extracted from the patient. These cells have been described as exhibiting   adherent growth properties as well as epithelial cellular morphology. Using siRNA transfection, a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Oncology proved that the inhibition of HDAC (histone deacetylase) was discovered to suppress the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells.  The use of biodegradable polymer based transfection agents, such as those available through  Altogen Biosystems  minimize toxicity and inflammatory responses. Following entry into the cell, the reagent will facilitate release of the transgene (siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, mRNA and plasmid DNA), and will naturally degrade. The AGS transfection reagent increases siRNA uptake with little to no loss of cell viability.