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Genetic characterization of human KB cell lines resistant to epidermal growth factor: Pseudomonas exotoxin conjugates

F Amano1, I Pastan, M M Gottesman

  • 1Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.

Insights

Human cell mutants resistant to epidermal growth factor-Pseudomonas exotoxin (EGF-PE) conjugates were studied. Most mutants showed dominant resistance, linked to reduced EGF receptors, aiding in understanding toxin resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Human KB cell mutants were selected for resistance to a conjugate of epidermal growth factor with Pseudomonas exotoxin (EGF-PE).
  • These mutants exhibit a pleiotropic phenotype, including diminished epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor numbers and reduced proliferation rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize human KB cell mutants exhibiting resistance to EGF-PE.
  • To determine the inheritance pattern (dominance or recessiveness) of EGF-PE resistance.
  • To confirm the genetic basis of dominant resistance through DNA transfection.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic characterization of KB cell mutants.
  • Construction and analysis of hybrid cells (HeLa D98 x resistant KB mutants).
  • DNA-mediated gene transfer (transfection) into wild-type KB cells.

Main Results:

  • Four out of five EGF-PE resistant mutants displayed incompletely dominant resistance in hybrid cells.
  • One mutant exhibited recessive resistance.
  • DNA transfection from two dominant resistant cell lines conferred EGF-PE resistance to wild-type KB cells.

Conclusions:

  • The mutations conferring EGF-PE resistance are predominantly dominant.
  • These dominant mutations are associated with altered epidermal growth factor receptor levels in KB cells.
  • The study confirms the genetic basis of dominant resistance to EGF-PE conjugates.

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