Lymphoma Research Foundation Releases A New Mantle Cell Line - JeKo-1 Is Now Available From MCL Cell Bank

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia
Article Date: 17 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) has released a new mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cell line, JeKo-1, in its MCL Cell Bank. The cell line, JeKo-1, was originated by Dr. H.J. Jeon of Chosun University, South Korea with attainment graciously assisted by Dr. Elias Campo, Hospital Clinic-Universitat, Barcelona, a member of LRF's Mantle Cell Consortium.

LRF's Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cell Bank was established in 2006 by the Foundation's Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium as a new resource for MCL researchers. Seven cell lines have been transferred to the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), of which four (Mino, JVM-2, JVM-13, JeKo-1) are presently available free to MCLC members and at a standard fee to non-members. Continuing efforts including a search for newly discovered MCL lines are being conducted by LRF.
v JeKo-1 was established from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a female patient with a large cell variant of MCL showing leukemic conversion. JeKo-1 cells are negative for Epstein-Barr virus and express IgM, a B-cell phenotype. The cells overexpress cyclin D1, Bcl-2, c-Myc and Rb proteins. Bcl-1/J(H) gene rearrangement was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. JeKo-1 cells are highly tumorigenic in SCID mice. Complete characterization and ordering information is available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC).

"Thanks to the exceptional generosity of our donors, LRF has been able to generate a high level of excitement and activity in the world of mantle cell lymphoma research," stated Michael Williams, MD, Chairman of LRF's Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium and Chief, Hematology Section, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville. "We anticipate the acquisition and availability of the JeKo-1 cell line will further advance the important work already underway by MCL investigators."

About the Mantle Cell Lymphoma Research Initiative

In late 2003, LRF had the opportunity to support a special research initiative focused on mantle cell because of an outstanding gift by a generous donor. Knowing that a focus on MCL would benefit so many who were facing this challenging disease, LRF started an MCL Research Grants program. Since December 2003, thirty-eight grants totaling over $18.5 million have been awarded. LRF is the world's largest private funding source for mantle cell research.

About the Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium

The Mantle Cell Consortium, composed of 100 laboratory and clinical scientists from North America and Europe focusing their research efforts on mantle cell lymphoma, was established in 2005. With a goal to identify effective and curative treatment strategies for mantle cell lymphoma, the Consortium enables collaboration, sharing of information and laboratory resources, as well as multi-institutional recruitment of clinical trials

For further information, visit: http://www.mantlecelllymphoma.org

About the Lymphoma Research Foundation

The Lymphoma Research Foundation is the nation's largest voluntary health organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and healthcare professionals with critical information on the disease. LRF's mission is to eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease.

More than 85 cents of every dollar spent goes to research and programming. As of the close of FY 2006, LRF has funded $34.7 million in lymphoma-specific research. LRF also provides a comprehensive series of programs and services for patients, survivors, and loved ones affected by lymphoma, including our toll-free Lymphoma Helpline and Clinical Trials Information Service in-person patient education programs, webcasts/teleconferences, and support services.

Lymphoma Research Foundation