The NCI-H727 cell line is a human lung cancer cell line with an epithelial morphology, derived from the carcinoid tumor tissue of a 65-year-old Caucasian woman. This cell line was isolated from tissue prior to treatment by A.F. Gazdar, H.K. Oie, J.D. Minna, and their colleagues. Among the available bronchial carcinoid cell lines, the NCI-H727 cell line is one of the best differentiated. It expresses detectable levels of p53 mRNA, which are comparable to those found in normal lung tissue. These cells are capable of synthesizing the neuropeptide neuromedin B (NMB) (0.1 pmol/mg protein), but do not produce gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). The parathyroid hormone-like protein secreted by the NCI-H727 cell line is stimulated by calcium via the protein kinase C pathway. Growth of NCI-H727 cells can be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor.

In addition, the NCI-H727 cell line expresses neuroendocrine markers such as synaptophysin, CD56, chromogranin A, and NSE, as demonstrated by immunocytochemical staining. Moreover, these cells express mRNAs for sstr1, sstr2, and sstr5 as shown by RT-PCR, and exhibit protein expression of sstr1, sstr2A, and sstr5 as detected by immunocytochemistry.

The NCI-H727 cell line holds significant value in research on neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). For example, it has been used to study the efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), a targeted therapeutic option for NET patients expressing somatostatin receptors.

Cell Name: Human Lung Benign Bronchial Tumor Cells

Cell Synonyms: NCI-H727

Catalogue No.: TCH-C584
Species: Human
Tissue Origin: Lung; Bronchus
Disease Characteristics: Pulmonary carcinoid tumor
Morphology: Epithelial-like

Growth Properties: Adherent

Culture Medium: RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum) + 1% P/S (penicillin/streptomycin)
Passage Ratio: 1:2–1:4; change medium every 2–3 days
Doubling Time: 24–36 hours
Culture Conditions: Atmosphere: 95% air + 5% CO₂; Temperature: 37°C

Freezing Conditions: 60% basal medium + 30% FBS + 10% DMSO; store in liquid nitrogen
Recommended Cryopreservation Solution: HyCyte® One-Step Freezing Medium (ready-to-use, serum-free, no programmed cooling required), Product Code: GUCP-R201