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Transforming genes of carcinomas and neuroblastomas introduced into mouse fibroblasts

C Shih, L C Padhy, M Murray

    Nature
    |March 19, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Tumor DNA from various tissues and species can transform NIH3T3 cells, indicating that cancer-causing genes can cross species and tissue barriers. This study explores the cross-species and cross-tissue transforming potential of tumor DNA.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Previous studies showed that DNA from 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-transformed mouse fibroblasts induces transformation in NIH3T3 cells.
    • These findings suggested that specific DNA sequences encode the transformed phenotype.
    • However, the previous work was limited to mouse fibroblast-derived DNA and NIH3T3 recipient cells.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate if tumor-transforming genes can function across different tissue types and species.
    • To determine if DNA from non-fibroblastic tumor lines can induce NIH3T3 cell transformation.

    Main Methods:

    • Preparation of DNA from diverse mouse and non-mouse tumor cell lines of non-fibroblastic origin.
    • Transfection of NIH3T3 cells with the prepared tumor DNA.
    • Observation and analysis of NIH3T3 cell transformation foci.

    Main Results:

    • DNA from human, rabbit, and mouse bladder carcinoma lines induced NIH3T3 cell transformation.
    • DNA from a lung carcinoma line also demonstrated transforming activity.
    • DNA from rat neuroblastoma and mouse glioma lines successfully transformed NIH3T3 cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Tumor-derived DNA contains sequences capable of inducing transformation in NIH3T3 cells.
    • These transforming genes can operate effectively across tissue and species barriers.
    • The study supports the concept of conserved oncogenic pathways across diverse tumor types and organisms.

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