KLE Cells

The KLE cell line is an adherent cell line derived from the endometrium of a White, female patient with adenocarcinoma. This cell line was established from a 64-day-old patient and has since become a vital tool in endometrial cancer research. KLE cells were deposited by GR Richardson and are known for their tumorigenic properties, as they form tumors within 21 days with 100% frequency when inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice. These tumors do not form glands but exhibit microvilli, junctional complexes, and nucleolar channel systems similar to those found in normal endometrium under progestational stimulation.

KLE cells express blood type O and are Rh-positive, which can be relevant for specific studies involving antigen expression. The cell line is commonly used to study the pathophysiology of endometrial carcinoma, with particular interest in its estrogen receptor-negative and progesterone receptor-positive status. This receptor profile makes KLE cells highly suitable for research into progesterone’s role in endometrial cancer progression. Electron microscopy studies of KLE cell-derived tumors have provided detailed insights into the cellular ultrastructure, making this cell line an essential resource for understanding the morphological aspects of endometrial adenocarcinoma.