BACKGROUNDIt has been proven that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) noncoding region plays a very important role in process of transcription. The mutation in mtDNA noncoding region can influence the transcription and translation process of mtDNA. The aim of this study is to investigate the variation status in noncoding region of mtDNA in lung cancer cell lines, and discuss its meaning in carcinogenesis.

METHODSThe 7 lung cancer cell lines, A549, SPC-A-1, Calu-3, LTEP-a-2, QG-56, 95-D and NCI-H446, were cultured. Then the mtDNA of them was extracted with one-step method and variation status of noncoding region was analyzed, compared to the Cambridge sequence of mtDNA.

RESULTSDifferent variations existed in the mtDNA noncoding regions of 7 lung cancer cell lines. The variation rate of LTEP-a-2 (1.82%) was the highest one, and A549 (0.21%) was the lowest one.

CONCLUSIONSThe mtDNA noncoding region sequencing is accomplished firstly in 7 lung cancer cell lines. It may provide a reference and background for related researches.