Abstract
Osteosarcoma cells are recognized by abnormal function that causes a primary bone tumor. Osteosarcoma cells U~2~OS and SAOSβ2 were analyzed for the expression of cell surface markers. High expression was quantified for hyaloronidase receptor (CDβ44) > moderate for integrins (CDβ51 and β61), > and lower for selectins (CDβ62). High mitotic capacity were demonstrated by gene expression (measured by RTβPCR) and the protein level (measured by FACS) for cFOS, cMYC, and cJUN. The basic definition of osteosarcoma is excessive production of pathological osteoid. Expression of mRNA for matrix genes osteocalcin, osteonectin, and biglycan was studied. Osteocalcin and osteonectin were detected in RNA from primary cultured marrow stromal, trabecular bone cells, and osteosarcoma cell lines (U~2~OS, SAOSβ2). mRNA for biglycan was detected only in primary cells and MGβ63 cell line and was undetectable in RNA from U~2~OS, SAOSβ2 osteosarcoma cell lines and by RNA extracted from bone biopsies of osteosarcoma patients. The absence of biglycan message observed in osteosarcoma samples provides evidence for the alterations in the extra cellular matrix which result with nonβmineralized osteoid produced by the osteosarcoma cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 84: 108β114, 2002. Β© 2001 WileyβLiss, Inc.