The transition from growth to quiescence is deeply deranged in cancer cells. Expression of the quiescence-induced genes, quiescin Q6, decorin, and S29, was examined in important physiological states and in several cell types. Senescent fibroblasts expressed neither Q6 nor decorin mRNAs. The quiescins were induced in serum-deprived cultures. Trypsinized cells, which rapidly reattached to the culture dish, expressed Q6, S29, and decorin mRNAs at reduced levels, compared to those that remained in suspension. Expression of Q6 and S29 mRNAs in endothelial cells was low in growth phase and high in quiescent cells. Q6 and S29 mRNAs were found in a large variety of human tissues. The quiescin Q6 protein was detected in WI38 cell extracts and in conditioned medium from quiescent cells. A complex regulation of the quiescins by growth and attachment status in specific cell types may be of importance in pathological growth regulation and the development of cancer.

Copyright 2000 Academic Press.