Conditions for transformation of human fibroblast cells: an overview

Low passage (low population doubling) human diploid fibroblasts respond to carcinogen and mutagen treatment, with higher passage level human cells remaining refractory to the insult. A cell cycle dependency for an optimize response to the carcinogen of competent responsive low passage cells is associated with early S phase. The process of fixation of the damage in dividing young cells could be more efficient due to intrinsic sensitivity of young cells towards carcinogens. However, specific DNA-carcinogen adduct analysis does not reveal any qualitative or quantitative difference. These low passage carcinogen initiated human cells progress towards the expression of a malignant phenotype. There is little evidence to suggest that these abnormal phenotypes exhibit an infinite lifespan using the selection pressures for isolation of the transformed phenotypes. However, the lifespan of these treated cells is extended beyond those of the untreated cells. In conclusion, criteria can be established to measure the expression of progression of these carcinogen initiated cells towards a malignant phenotype.