CELL SURFACE COAT OF HAMSTER FIBROBLASTS

Abstract

The UHF fraction from NIL 8 hamster embryo fibroblasts contains the LETS protein and several other major proteins. It exhibits three enzymatic activities in significant amounts: 5'-nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase, and galactosyl transferase. The latter two appear to be different from the membrane-bound enzymes. This fraction is heavily stained with ruthenium red, a dye specific for the cell coat in intact cells. A comparable fraction from hamster sarcoma virus-transformed cells exhibits a similar overall protein composition but lacks at least three major proteins, including the LETS protein. Compared to NIL 8 cells, the distribution of alkaline phosphatase in fractions from these cells is different, and the level of galactosyl transferase in the UHF is much reduced.