Studies of DNA-induced heritable alteration of mammalian cells

An intercellular interaction between mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor and non-malignant Chinese hamster cells occurred when these were co-cultured. That the intercellular processes which formed had emanated from the EA cells was revealed by immunofluoroscopy using anti-EA antiserum, and by direct microscopic examination. A passage of DNA from the EA to the CH cells was also observed. On long-term co-culture, new cell forms arose which were isolated, cloned, and propagated. They showed a CH karyotype and had acquired oncogenic potential and the ability to synthesize murine-specific antigens. These same heritable properties were also acquired by CH cells following their exposure to DNA isolated from EA cells.