U-CH1

U-CH1 is the first validated human chordoma cell line, originally established from a recurrent sacral chordoma of a 56-year-old male patient. As the foundational model in chordoma research, U-CH1 retains classical physaliferous morphology and faithfully recapitulates the defining molecular hallmarks of chordoma. It exhibits robust nuclear expression of brachyury (TBXT)—the lineage-specific transcription factor and definitive diagnostic marker—at approximately 10-fold higher levels than U-CH2, alongside strong CD24 surface expression (13-fold higher than U-CH2). These features ensure authentic representation of chordoma biology and pathophysiology.

Genetically, U-CH1 maintains wild-type SMARCB1 status and HLA-A2 typing, with comprehensive genomic resources including publicly available whole-genome, exome, and transcriptome sequencing data. Extensively characterized and widely adopted across the research community, U-CH1 has served as the critical benchmark for establishing and authenticating subsequent chordoma cell lines.

Functionally, U-CH1 supports robust in vitro proliferation and reliably forms xenografts in immunodeficient mice, enabling integrated preclinical evaluation from mechanistic studies to in vivo drug efficacy assessment. It has been instrumental in high-throughput compound screening and in elucidating therapeutic vulnerabilities of brachyury-driven transcriptional addiction, particularly through CDK-targeted inhibition. With its authenticated origin, extensively characterized molecular profile, and proven versatility across diverse experimental platforms, U-CH1 remains the gold standard cell model for advancing chordoma biology and therapeutic development.