Differential DNA damage detected in hybridomas

Monoclonal antibody technology has improved over recent years. However, there remains a serious problem with regard to the stability and antibody production of the hybrid cell lines. In order to investigate the potential increased sensitivity of hybridomas to DNA damage, we produced a monoclonal antibody producing cell line in our laboratory. Three types of cells were analyzed by the single cell gel technique to determine single strand DNA damage, including the fusion partner FO, BALB/c splenocytes and an IgM producing hybridoma. The hybridoma cell line displayed a statistically significant increase in sensitivity to induced DNA damage as compared to the fusion partners used in its establishment. The instability of hybridomas in culture may be associated with their inherent increased susceptibility to DNA damage.