Expression of ATM protein in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines with different radiosensitivity

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that ataxia- telangiectasia mutant(ATM) protein is closely correlated with cellular radiosensitivity in several malignant tumors. This study was designed to determine the expression of ATM protein in two nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines with different radiosensitivity. METHODS: Two NPC cell lines, CNE1 and CNE2, with different radiosensitivity were established. The localization and quantity of ATM protein were analyzed by fluorescence immunohistochemical method and laser scanning confocal microscope(LSCM). RESULTS: ATM protein was located in both karyon and cytoplasm, especially strongly expressed in karyon. The intense fluorescence of ATM protein was stronger in karyon of CNE1 than that in CNE2. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of ATM protein differ in CNE1 and CNE2. The variance may be a potential factor, which links with their different radiosensitivity.