Characteristics of a Human Cell Line Transformed by DNA from Human Adenovirus Type 5

TLDR

Human embryonic kidney cells were transformed by exposure to sheared fragments of adenovirus type 5 DNA. Polypeptide synthesis in the transformed 293 cells was analyzed by 35S‑methionine labeling and SDS‑PAGE, revealing a variable pattern distinct from other human cells. The 293 cells displayed typical transformation features, produced a virus‑specific tumour antigen, lacked a 250 kDa glycoprotein analogue, and transcribed part of the adenovirus genome from the left‑hand end.

Abstract

Human embryonic kidney cells have been transformed by exposing cells to sheared fragments of adenovirus type 5 DNA. The transformed cells (designated 293 cells) exhibited many of the characteristics of transformation including the elaboration of a virus-specific tumour antigen. Analysis of the polypeptides synthesized in the 293 cells by labelling with 35S-methionine and SDS PAGE showed a variable pattern of synthesis, different in a number of respects from that seen in otheruman cells. On labelling the surface of cells by lactoperoxidase catalysed radio-iodination, the absence of a labelled polypeptide analogous to the 250 K (LETS) glycoprotein was noted. Hybridization of labelled cellular RNA with restriction fragments of adenovirus type 5 DNA indicated transcription of a portion of the adenovirus genome at the conventional left hand end.