Individual adenovirus type 5 early region 1A gene products elicit distinct alterations of cellular morphology and gene expression

Comparison of the Life Cycles of Genetically Distant Species C and Species D Human Adenoviruses Ad6 and Ad26 in Human Cells

Our understanding of adenovirus (Ad) biology is largely extrapolated from human species C Ad5. Most humans are immune to Ad5, so lower-seroprevalence viruses like human Ad6 and Ad26 are being tested as therapeutic vectors. Ad6 and Ad26 differ at the DNA level by 34%. To better understand how this might impact their biology, we examined the life cycle of the two viruses in human lung cells in vitro. Both viruses infected A549 cells with similar efficiencies, executed DNA replication with identical kinetics within 12 h, and began killing cells within 72 h. While Ad6-infected cells remained adherent until death, Ad26-infected cells detached within 12 h of infection but remained viable. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of mRNA from infected cells demonstrated that viral transcripts constituted 1% of cellular mRNAs within 6 h and 8 to 16% within 12 h. Quantitative PCR and NGS revealed the activation of key early genes at 6 h and transition to late gene activation by 12 h by both viruses. There were marked differences in the balance of E1A and E1B activation by the two viruses and in the expression of E3 immune evasion mRNAs. Ad6 was markedly more effective at suppressing major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) display on the cell surface and in evading TRAIL-mediated apoptosis than was Ad26. These data demonstrate shared as well as divergent life cycles in these genetically distant human adenoviruses. An understanding of these differences expands the knowledge of alternative Ad species and may inform the selection of related Ads for therapeutic development.

IMPORTANCE

A burgeoning number of adenoviruses (Ads) are being harnessed as therapeutics, yet the biology of these viruses is generally extrapolated from Ad2 and Ad5. Here, we are the first to compare the transcriptional programs of two genetically distant Ads by mRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS). Species C Ad6 and Ad26 are being pursued as lower-seroprevalence Ad vectors but differ at the DNA level by 34%. Head-to-head comparison in human lung cells by NGS revealed that the two viruses generally conform to our general understanding of the Ad transcriptional program. However, fine mapping revealed subtle and strong differences in how these two viruses execute these programs, including differences in the balance of E1A and E1B mRNAs and in E3 immune evasion genes. This suggests that not all adenoviruses behave like Ad2 and Ad5 and that they may have unique strategies to infect cells and evade the immune system.

Characterization of the 55-residue protein encoded by the 9S E1A mRNA of species C adenovirus

Early region 1A (E1A) of human adenovirus (HAdV) has been the focus of over 30 years of investigation and is required for the oncogenic capacity of HAdV in rodents. Alternative splicing of the E1A transcript generates mRNAs encoding multiple E1A proteins. The 55-residue (55R) E1A protein, which is encoded by the 9S mRNA, is particularly interesting due to the unique properties it displays relative to all other E1A isoforms. 55R E1A does not contain any of the conserved regions (CRs) present in the other E1A isoforms. The C-terminal region of the 55R E1A protein contains a unique sequence compared to all other E1A isoforms, which results from a frameshift generated by alternative splicing. The 55R E1A protein is thought to be produced preferentially at the late stages of infection. Here we report the first study to directly investigate the function of the species C HAdV 55R E1A protein during infection. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies (Abs) have been generated that are capable of immunoprecipitating HAdV-2 55R E1A. These Abs can also detect HAdV-2 55R E1A by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay. These studies indicate that 55R E1A is expressed late and is localized to the cytoplasm and to the nucleus. 55R E1A was able to activate the expression of viral genes during infection and could also promote productive replication of species C HAdV. 55R E1A was also found to interact with the S8 component of the proteasome, and knockdown of S8 was detrimental to viral replication dependent on 55R E1A.

Identification of genes differentially expressed as result of adenovirus type 5- and adenovirus type 12-transformation

BACKGROUND

Cells transformed by human adenoviruses (Ad) exhibit differential capacities to induce tumours in immunocompetent rodents; for example, Ad12-transformed rodent cells are oncogenic whereas Ad5-transformed cells are not. The E1A gene determines oncogenic phenotype, is a transcriptional regulator and dysregulates host cell gene expression, a key factor in both cellular transformation and oncogenesis. To reveal differences in gene expression between cells transformed with oncogenic and non-oncogenic adenoviruses we have performed comparative analysis of transcript profiles with the aim of identifying candidate genes involved in the process of neoplastic transformation.

RESULTS

Analysis of microarray data revealed that a total of 232 genes were differentially expressed in Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells compared to untransformed baby rat kidney (BRK) cells. Gene information was available for 193 transcripts and using gene ontology (GO) classifications and literature searches it was possible to assign known or suggested functions to 166 of these identified genes. A subset of differentially-expressed genes from the microarray was further examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting using BRK cells immortalised by Ad12 E1A or Ad5 E1A in addition to Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells. Up-regulation of RelA and significant dysregulation of collagen type I mRNA transcripts and proteins were found in Ad-transformed cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that a complex web of cellular pathways become altered in Ad-transformed cells and that Ad E1A is sufficient for the observed dysregulation. Further work will focus on investigating which splice variant of Ad E1A is responsible for the observed dysregulation at the pathway level, and the mechanisms of E1A-mediated transcriptional regulation.

E1A-Based Determinants of Oncogenicity in Human Adenovirus Groups A and C

A broad spectrum of genetic and molecular investigations carried out with group C, Ad2 and Ad5, and with group A, Ad12, have shown that early region1 (E1) gene products are sufficient for complete transformation of rodent cells in vitro by these viruses. During the past quarter century, the processes by which E1A proteins, in cooperation with E1B proteins, perturb the cell cycle and induce the transformed phenotype, have become well defined. Somewhat less understood is the basis for the differential oncogenicity of these two groups of viruses, and the processes by which the E1A proteins of Ad12 induce a tumorigenic phenotype in transformants resulting from infection of cells in vivo and in vitro. In this chapter we review previous findings and present new evidence which demonstrates that Ad12 E1A possesses two or more independent functions enabling it to induce tumors. One of these functions lies in its capacity to repress transcription of MHC class I genes, allowing the tumor cells to avoid lysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We have shown that class I repression is mediated through increased binding of repressor COUP-TF and decreased binding of NF-kB to the class I enhancer. In addition to mediating immune escape, E1A also determines the susceptibility of transformants to Natural Killer (NK) cell lysis, and in this case, also, Ad12 transformants are not susceptible. By using Ad12 mutants containing chimeric E1A Ad12-Ad5 genes, point mutations, or a specific deletion, we have shown that the unique spacer region of Ad12 E1A is an oncogenic determinant, but is not required for transformation in vitro. Given that the E1A regions responsible for class I repression are first exon encoded, we have examined a set of cell lines transformed by these altered viruses, and have found that while they display greatly reduced tumorigenicity, they maintain a wildtype capacity to repress class I transcription. Whether the spacer contributes to NK evasion remains unresolved. Lastly, we discuss the properties of the Ad2/Ad5 E1A C-terminal negative modulator of tumorigenicity, and examine the effects on transformation, tumor induction and transformant tumorigenicity, when the Ad5 negative modulator is placed by chimeric construction in Ad12 E1A.

Propagation of Adenoviral Vectors

This chapter discusses the production systems of adenoviral vectors. Particular attention is paid to the generation and use of complementation cell lines that carry the El genes and emphasizes on the PER.C6 cell line, which was developed to prevent generation of replication-competent adenovirus (RCA) during propagation of El-deleted adenoviral vectors. Further, safety issues with respect to the use of the cell line for making clinical grade material are also addressed in this chapter. The PER.C6 cell line is the best substrate for the production of adenoviral vectors for gene therapy or vaccines. PER.C6 permits extensive analysis for adventitial agents and other safety concerns and thus is less hazardous than short-lived primary cell cultures for which testing must be repeated for each newly established culture.

New helper cells and matched early region 1-deleted adenovirus vectors prevent generation of replication-competent adenoviruses

The presence of replication-competent adenoviruses (RCAs) in batches of replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors is a major problem for the application of these vectors in gene therapy. RCAs are generated by recombination between sequences in the Ad vector and homologous Ad sequences in the helper cells, resulting in the acquisition by the vector of early region 1. To prevent the formation of RCAs, we have developed helper cell lines, which we named PER, and matched Ad vectors that do not have sequence overlap. PER cells contain the Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) E1A- and E1B-encoding sequences (Ad5 nucleotides 459-3510) under the control of the human phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter. We demonstrate that PER cells synthesize high levels of the Ad5 E1A and E1B proteins. The yields from PER cells of E1-deleted Ads are similar to those obtained from earlier helper cells, such as 911 and 293 cells. Propagation of matched Ad vectors, which lack Ad5 nucleotides 459-3510, in one of the PER clones, PER.C6, does not result in the generation of RCAs, in contrast to propagation in 293 cells. We conclude that the combination of PER.C6 cells and nonoverlapping E1-deleted adenoviral vectors eliminates the problem of RCA generation by homologous recombination, and allows cost-effective production of safe, clinical-grade batches of recombinant Ad vectors.

Immortalization by gene transfection

Cultured cell lines that maintain specific differentiated phenotypes have been indispensable tools in cell biology. Progress in understanding the function of differentiated cells in vivo can be facilitated by creating cell lines via immortalizing gene transduction, if they retain the essential differentiated features of the same cells in vivo. Rodent cells immortalize spontaneously with a frequency of 10(-5) to 10(-6). Thus, it is easy to isolate immortal cells from rodent cell populations even without the transfer of immortalizing genes. Immortalizing genes can be used to increase this frequency to approximately 100%. In contrast, the spontaneous immortalization of human cells is a very rare event; the frequency is thought to be < 10(-12). Immortalizing genes can also be used to increase this frequency. Several genes that promise efficient immortalization of cultured cells have been identified. Immortalizing genes include simian virus 40 large T antigen, papillomaviruses E6 and E7, adenovirus E1A, Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell leukemia virus, herpesvirus saimiri, oncogenes, and mutant p53 gene. Equally important, innovative means of gene delivery have been developed as well. These immortalizing genes, together with gene transfer methodologies, have provided the means to generate cell lines from cell types that are not abundant or are difficult to obtain in pure form in primary culture, are in short supply as human cells, and/or have brief lifetimes in culture. This chapter focuses primarily on the immortalization method by gene transfection. The chapter is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather to provide an account of the power and usefulness of immortalization methodology.

Modulation of AP-1/ATF transcription factor activity by the adenovirus-E1A oncogene products

The proteins encoded by early region 1 A (E1A) of human adenoviruses (Ad) modulate the expression of both adenovirus genes and various host cell genes. With these transcription-regulating properties the E1A proteins redirect the cell's metabolism, which enables them to induce oncogenic transformation in rodent cells. The E1A proteins modulate transcription by interacting both with gene-specific and general cellular transcription factors. Various members of the AP-1 and ATF/CREB families of transcription factors are targets for E1A-dependent regulation, including cJun, the protein product of the c-jun proto-oncogene. The E1A proteins modulate cJun-dependent transcription both positively and negatively, and affect the activity as well as the expression levels of cJun. By increasing the phosphorylation status of cJun, E1A can stimulate transcription regulated by cJun/ATF2 heterodimers. In contrast, E1A inhibits the expression of various metalloproteases by interfering with the DNA-binding capacity of cJun/cJun and cJun/cFos dimers, which might involve the association of E1A with the putative transcriptional coactivator p300. Since the ability of E1A to alter cJun-dependent transcription correlates with its transforming capacity, interference with cJun-dependent transcription may be an essential step in E1A-induced transformation.

In vivo regulation of murine hair growth: insights from grafting defined cell populations onto nude mice

The nude mouse graft model for testing the hair-forming ability of selected cell populations has considerable potential for providing insights into factors that are important for hair follicle development and proper hair formation. We have developed a minimal component system consisting of immature hair follicle buds from newborn pigmented C57BL/6 mice and adenovirus E1A-immortalized rat vibrissa dermal papilla cells. Hair follicle buds contribute to formation of hairless skin when grafted alone or with Swiss 3T3 cells, but produce densely haired skin when grafted with a fresh dermal cell preparation. The fresh dermal cell preparation represents the single cell fraction after hair follicles have been removed from a collagenase digest of newborn mouse dermis. It provides dermal papilla cells, fibroblasts, and possibly other important growth factor-producing cell types. Rat vibrissa dermal papilla cells supported dense hair growth at early passage in culture but progressively lost this potential during repeated passage in culture. Of 19 E1A-immortalized, clonally derived rat vibrissa dermal papilla cell lines, the four most positive clones supported hair growth to the extent of approximately 200 to 300 hairs per 1-2 cm2 graft area. The remaining clones were moderately positive (five clones), weakly positive (three clones), or negative (seven clones). Swiss 3T3 cells prevented contraction of the graft area but did not appear to affect the number of hairs in the graft site produced by dermal papilla cells plus hair follicle buds alone. The relatively low hair density (estimated 1-5% of normal) resulting from grafts of hair follicle buds with the most positive of the immortalized dermal papilla cell clones compared to fresh dermal cells suggests that optimal reconstitution of hair growth requires some function of dermal papilla cells partially lost during the immortalization process and possibly the contribution of other cell types present in the fresh dermal cell preparation, which is not supplied by the Swiss 3T3 cells. The current graft system, comprising hair follicle buds and immortalized dermal papilla cell clones, provides an assay for positive or negative influences on hair growth exerted by added selected cell types, growth factors, or other substances. Characterization of the phenotype of the dermal papilla cell lines, which differ in their ability to support hair growth when grafted with hair follicle buds, may provide insight into specific dermal papilla cell properties important for their function in this system.

Regulation of hair follicle development: an in vitro model for hair follicle invasion of dermis and associated connective tissue remodeling

During embryonic development presumptive hair follicle cells of epithelial and mesenchymal origin are determined in defined body locations. This is followed by rapid proliferation of epithelial cells and associated penetration into the dermis in response to as yet undetermined signals. A collagen matrix culture system, which maintains the three-dimensional relationships of hair follicle cells to each other, was developed to study the regulation of the enlargement of immature hair follicles and the accompanying remodeling of the dermis. In studies with a heterogeneous dermis-derived preparation of murine hair follicles, ranging in size from the earliest down-growing budding cell mass to hair-forming follicles, we had previously shown that cell proliferation was stimulated by cholera toxin and epidermal growth factor, but only the epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation was accompanied by digestion of the collagen matrix due to release of collagenolytic enzymes. Further studies revealed that transforming growth factor-alpha also stimulated hair follicle cell proliferation and collagenase release. However, although transforming growth factor-beta inhibited the transforming growth factor-alpha-stimulated proliferation, it enhanced the release and activation of collagenases and other gelatin-degrading enzymes detectable by gelatin zymography. Stimulation of collagenolytic activity depended on the three-dimensional hair follicle structure and did not occur in monolayer cultures of hair follicle cells. Comparison of hair follicle buds with more developed dermis-derived hair follicles, plated at the same cell density (based on DNA content), suggested that a greater fraction of cells in the bud-stage follicle responded to the growth factors by release of collagenases. Possibly only the cells in the advancing portion of growing hair follicles that are closest to the dermal papilla cell cluster produce the collagenases in response to growth factors. To examine the participation of dermal papilla cells in collagenase release and activation, several immortalized rat whisker dermal papilla cell lines were co-cultured with mouse hair follicle buds. Co-culture resulted in a marked enlargement of follicles as well as activation of the 92-kDa type IV collagenase, produced by hair follicle buds, that correlated with ability of the dermal papilla cells to stimulate hair formation in grafts of hair follicle buds on nude mice. Dermal papilla cells cultured alone produced the 72-kDa type IV collagenase, which was also activated during co-culture with hair follicle buds. Thus, two activities, both relevant for hair follicle development, namely, cell proliferation and release and activation of collagenases, have been stimulated in immature hair follicle buds by either growth-factor supplementation or interaction with dermal papilla cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Expression, purification, and functional characterization of adenovirus 5 and 12 E1A proteins produced in insect cells

The 12 S and 13 S E1A cDNAs from both the Adenovirus (Ad) nononcogenic type 5 and the oncogenic type 12 were overexpressed in an insect cell/baculovirus system. Upon infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells, the production of E1A proteins reached a level of about 15 micrograms/10(6) cells. The E1A proteins are highly soluble and apparently are processed authentically. They are readily recognized by various antibodies and display phosphorylation patterns similar to those of E1A proteins synthesized in mammalian cells. Single-step immunoaffinity chromatography was used to purify the Ad5 E1A proteins to near homogeneity under nondenaturing conditions. The Ad5 and Ad12 E1A proteins are able to form complexes with the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (Rb) and other cellular proteins. Interestingly, the presence of a cellular extract seems to be a prerequisite for association between highly purified E1A and Rb polypeptides.

Simian virus 40 large tumor antigen alone or two cooperating oncogenes convert REF52 cells to a state permissive for gene amplification

Gene amplification is characteristic of tumors and continuous cell lines but not of primary, normal, diploid, senescing cells. However, the rat cell line REF52, which resembles primary cells in requiring expression of cooperating oncogenes for transformation, is unusual among cell lines as it is not permissive for amplification. REF52 cells did not form colonies in N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA), a drug for which the only known mechanism of resistance is amplification of the carbamoylphosphate synthetase/aspartate transcarbamoylase/dihydroorotase (CAD) gene. Colonies did form in a low concentration of methotrexate but did not contain amplified dihydrofolate reductase genes. Expression of two cooperating oncogenes in REF52 cells converted them to a state permissive for amplification. Cells expressing only the 12S E1A mRNA of adenovirus 5 did not give rise to PALA-resistant colonies, but expression of an activated ras gene together with E1A readily allowed the cells to form resistant colonies in which the CAD gene was amplified. Cells expressing E1A plus ras were fully transformed, but expression of simian virus 40 large tumor antigen alone converted REF52 cells to a state permissive for amplification without transforming them fully. The ability to manipulate gene amplification in REF52 cells by expression of oncogenes should contribute to an understanding of the nature of the permissive state.

Induced expression of the endogenous beta interferon gene in adenovirus type 5-transformed rat fibroblasts

Tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving both genetic and epigenetic changes resulting in altered cellular gene expression. While many phenotypic attributes of transformed cells have been described, the cellular genes responsible for these phenotypes are largely unknown. In this study, we show that the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) ISG15 is expressed in all adenovirus type 5 (Ad5)-transformed rodent cells tested, in an E1A-dependent manner. We find that the level of ISG15 mRNA correlates with the level of the transcription factor ISGF3, which has been postulated to be the transcriptional activator of ISGs. Consistent with the activation of the interferon transduction pathway in Ad5-transformed cells, beta interferon mRNA is expressed in all but the parental untransformed cell line. The level of ISG15 mRNA in Ad5-transformed cells correlated inversely with the ability of these cells to proliferate in soft agar. This appears to have functional significance, since the phenotype of poor growth in agar could be conferred upon a cell line that grows efficiently in soft agar by using conditioned media from cells that grow poorly in soft agar. The same effect could be mimicked by applying rat interferon. We conclude that the degree of activation of the interferon signal transduction pathway explains differences in the transformation phenotypes among Ad5-transformed cell lines.

Construction and uses of cell lines containing integrated adenovirus E2 promoters

The adenovirus E1a gene encodes polypeptides which regulate the expression of adenovirus early genes as well as a variety of cellular genes. Although it is likely that the E1a encoded polypeptides regulate the expression of these genes by interaction with a variety of cellular transcription factors, the precise mechanism by which this occurs is currently unknown. This report describes the development of cell lines which contain integrated copies of the E2 promoter driving the expression of the Tn5 neo gene or the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. In each case phenotypic changes concurrent with expression of the E1a 289 amino acid polypeptide are demonstrated. The use of these cell lines to detect rare events in the activation of the E2 promoter is demonstrated in transfection experiments. These cell lines are also used to study the effects of c-myc expression on integrated E2 promoters.

Glycoprotein synthesis and secretion. Expression of fibronectin and its cell surface receptors

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix protein that acts as a substrate for cell migration and adhesion during development. Cells adhere to FN through integral membrane proteins that are members of the integrin family of adhesion molecules. The interaction between cells and FN is important in a number of biologic processes, including gastrulation, hematopoietic differentiation, neural crest cell migration, cardiac development, branching morphogenesis in lung, wound healing, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Expression of FN and its receptors is controlled by a number of hormones and growth factors as well as by tissue-specific factors. Here, the molecular aspects of how expression of these genes is controlled are reviewed, with particular emphasis on promoter regulator elements that modulate expression.

E1A represses wild-type and F9-selected polyomavirus DNA replication by a mechanism not requiring depression of large tumor antigen transcription

Polyomavirus (Py) DNA replication may be regulated to a low-level replication state in specific target cells in mice as well as in certain undifferentiated murine cell lines, such as embryocarcinoma (EC) cells. To investigate possible mechanisms by which such control may occur, we have examined the effects of E1A on Py DNA replication. Adenovirus E1A proteins repress transcriptional activation of various enhancers, including those of Py, and can stimulate DNA replication in quiescent cells, but E1A effects on Py DNA replication were unknown. We found that constitutive E1A expression in NIH 3T3 cells depressed Py DNA replication very strongly. Two F9 EC cell-selected Py enhancer variants, PyF441 and PyF101, were also examined because undifferentiated EC cells are hypothesized to have an E1A-like activity responsible for the Py restriction, and these variants activate Py DNA replication in cis in undifferentiated F9 cells. Both variants were repressed by E1A, indicating that E1A activity in 3T3 cells is not equivalent to undifferentiated F9 cell E1A-like activity. We also examined transient inducible E1A expression in cells supplying Py large tumor antigen (T-Ag). Py DNA replication was again repressed, and the inhibition increased with E1A induction. Analysis of T-Ag mRNA levels indicated that E1A repression of Py DNA replication was not an indirect result of depression of T-Ag transcription. This suggests that E1A may repress Py DNA replication by a more direct mechanism, possibly by blocking enhancer activation of DNA replication in a manner uncoupled with enhancer transcriptional control.

Efficient immortalization of luminal epithelial cells from human mammary gland by introduction of simian virus 40 large tumor antigen with a recombinant retrovirus

When defined in terms of markers for normal cell lineages, most invasive breast cancer cells correspond to the phenotype of the common luminal epithelial cell found in the terminal ductal lobular units. Luminal epithelial cells cultured from milk, which have limited proliferative potential, have now been immortalized by introducing the gene encoding simian virus 40 large tumor (T) antigen. Infection with a recombinant retrovirus proved to be 50-100 times more efficient than calcium phosphate transfection, and of the 17 cell lines isolated, only 5 passed through a crisis period as characterized by cessation of growth. When characterized by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies, 14 lines showed features of luminal epithelial cells and of these, 7 resembled the common luminal epithelial cell type in the profile of keratins expressed. These cells express keratins 7, 8, 18, and 19 homogeneously and do not express keratin 14 or vimentin; a polymorphic epithelial mucin produced in vivo by luminal cells is expressed heterogeneously and the pattern of fibronectin staining is punctate. Although the cell lines have a reduced requirement for added growth factors, they do not grow in agar or produce tumors in the nude mouse. When the v-Ha-ras oncogene was introduced into two of the cell lines by using a recombinant retrovirus, most of the selected clones senesced, but one entered crisis and emerged after 3 months as a tumorigenic cell line.

Induction of different morphologic features of malignant melanoma and pigmented lesions after transformation of murine melanocytes with bFGF-cDNA and H-ras, myc, neu, and E1a oncogenes

Malignant melanomas show a remarkable degree of heterogeneity because of different morphologic features, biologic behavior, and prognosis. In this communication, the authors attempted to correlate morphologic heterogeneity of melanomas with transformation by different activated oncogenes; they studied the histologic features of melanocytic lesions induced by murine melanocytes transformed by basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF-cDNA) or H-ras, neu, myc, and E1a oncogenes, and the lesions were compared with those observed in human pathology. Tumors formed after grafting onto syngenic mice or subcutaneous injections in nude mice were studied. In syngenic mice, benign melanocytic lesions reminiscent of intradermal nevus were observed with melanocytes transformed with b-FGF-cDNA, and myc and E1a oncogenes. Benign lesions were also formed by neu-transformed melanocytes when they were grafted concomitantly with keratinocytes, whereas malignant tumors were formed by the same cells when grafted alone or together with fibroblasts. In contrast, H-ras melanocytes always formed malignant tumors. In nude mice, b-FGF-transformed melanocytes induced benign lesions, whereas transformed melanocytes by the other oncogenes formed malignant tumors with distinctive and homogeneous morphologic features that depended on the transforming oncogene. Melanomas with either epithelioid cell, spindle cell, small round cell, and anaplastic cell growth patterns could be distinguished after transformation with H-ras, neu, E1a, and myc oncogenes, respectively. These various histologic types are analogous to those that may be observed in human melanomas, even within the same tumor. These studies suggest a possible molecular mechanism for tumor heterogeneity in which distinct oncogenes or oncogenelike activities can be activated in different tumors or discrete parts of the same tumor.

Differential requirement for adenovirus type 12 E1A gene products in oncogenic transformation

During the early period of infection, adenovirus type 12 E1A gene is expressed as overlapping, spliced mRNAs of 12 and 13S, which encode in-frame proteins of 235 and 266 amino acid residues (235R and 266R), respectively. To define the functions of these related products in the infection of human cells and transformation of rodent cells, we created single T-to-C transitions at the second base of each mRNA intron which specifically prevent splicing of the respective mRNAs. Mutant pm712 expresses only the 13S mRNA and 266R protein, while pm713 expresses only the 12S mRNA and 235R protein. By using these mutants, we showed that only the larger product is required for growth in human cells, including growth-arrested W138 cells, that the capacity to activate other viral genes (in human cells, at least) lies primarily with that protein, and that the 266R product is not required for autoregulation of its own transcription. In the presence of the 266R protein the 235R product was not required for complete and efficient transformation of a variety of rodent cells or for direct induction of tumors in rats, whereas in its absence the smaller product was insufficient for transformation or tumor induction. Finally, we showed that transformants resulting from infection of rodent cells with pm712 possess a fully-transformed phenotype and are tumorigenic. Previous studies with group C adenoviruses led to the conclusion that both E1A products are required for complete transformation; we conclude that with oncogenic serotype 12, only the 266R product is required for this process.

Induction of sensitivity to the cytotoxic action of tumor necrosis factor alpha by adenovirus E1A is independent of transformation and transcriptional activation

We have previously shown that expression of the adenovirus E1A 12S or 13S products in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts induces susceptibility to the cytotoxic actions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). A large number of studies have mapped the multiple biological functions of the 12S and 13S products to three highly conserved regions (CR) within the E1A sequence. Here we used plasmids coding for E1A deletion and point mutants in these regions to generate target cell lines for TNF alpha cytotoxicity assays to determine which regions and functions are necessary for the induction of TNF alpha sensitivity. Expression of CR1 was required for the induction of TNF alpha sensitivity. This finding did not reflect a requirement for transforming or transcriptional repression activity, since some mutants that were defective in both of these properties were able to induce TNF alpha sensitivity. CR2 transformation-defective point mutants, but not a CR2/3 region deletion mutant, were also able to induce sensitivity. In addition, NIH 3T3 cells expressing the retroviral transcription activators tat from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and tax from human T-lymphotropic virus type I were not sensitive to TNF alpha. However, the possibility that E1A-mediated transcriptional activation can augment the induction of TNF alpha sensitivity is not excluded. Comparison of data from previous biological studies with the TNF alpha cytotoxicity assays presented here suggested that the mechanism by which E1A induces sensitivity to TNF alpha in NIH 3T3 cells is independent of many of the known E1A biological functions, including transformation in cooperation with ras, immortalization, induction of DNA synthesis in quiescent cells, and transcriptional repression. A novel E1A-mediated effect may be involved, although our data do not exclude the possibility that sensitization to TNF alpha is mediated through E1A binding to cellular proteins.

Cloning of adenovirus type 12 E1 genes into a retroviral vector and their differential splicing in mouse cells

Early region 1 (E1) of adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) genome is able to transform nonpermissive primary rodent cells in vivo and in vitro. To analyse the role of the E1a gene products alone or in connection with the 58-kDa protein encoded by E1b during oncogenic transformation, we have cloned genomic fragments of both subregions into the retroviral vector, pZIP-NeoSV(X)1. Both constructs are expressed in mouse 3T3 cells, but, in contrast to E1b, the amount of genomic retroviral RNA carrying E1a-specific sequences was low in transfected psi2 cells and not detectable in infected NIH3T3 cells. Nevertheless, we could demonstrate the integration of the complete E1a-carrying provirus into the NIH3T3 genome. However, after infection of primary mouse embryo fibroblasts, high retrovirus-mediated expression of E1a leads to the immortalization of these cells. In the derived cell line, only the 13S transcript and the unspliced form of E1a RNA could be demonstrated, but not the 12S transcript. These results demonstrate that the ratio of genomic vs. subgenomic retroviral RNAs of Ad12 E1-carrying vectors is dependent on the cloned insert and the cell system used.

Establishment and characterization of multipotent neural cell lines using retrovirus vector-mediated oncogene transfer

Neural cell lines were produced by retroviral vector-mediated transduction of the avian myc oncogene. Target cells were mitotic progenitor cells of postnatal mouse olfactory bulb and cerebellum, and postnatal rat cerebral cortex. Infection of the first two areas, where neurogenesis and gliogenesis occur postnatally, produced multipotent clonal lines that exhibited phenotypes of both neuronal and glial cells, and one line with a stable neuronal phenotype. Infection of cerebral cortex, where gliogenesis, but not neurogenesis, occurs postnatally, generated mortal clones that exhibited cells of glial phenotype. These lines should prove valuable for both in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at understanding the control of cell fate and differentiation of neural progenitors.

Transformation of murine melanocytes by basic fibroblast growth factor cDNA and oncogenes and selective suppression of the transformed phenotype in a reconstituted cutaneous environment

Constitutive expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a common characteristic of metastatic melanomas, was reproduced in vitro by infection of normal murine melanocytes with a recombinant retrovirus carrying a cDNA for bFGF. Expression of bFGF in these cells conferred autonomous growth in culture and extinguished differentiated functions, such as the synthesis of melanin and formation of dendrites. Independence from exogenous bFGF and loss of differentiated functions in vitro were induced also by transformation of melanocytes with the oncogenes myc, Ela, ras, and neu, although bFGF was not expressed by the respective transformants. As shown in skin reconstitution experiments onto syngeneic mice and subcutaneous injections into nude mice, the various transformants differed in their behavior in vivo. The bFGF transformants did not form tumors. They reverted to having a normal, melanotic phenotype and restricted growth. Myc and Ela transformants grew as tumors in nude mice but not in syngeneic, immunocompetent animals. Ras-transformed melanocytes were always tumorigenic, whereas the formation of tumors by neu transformants was suppressed by the concomitant grafting of keratinocytes in reconstituted skin of syngeneic mice. These data show that melanocytes genetically manipulated to produce bFGF acquire properties in vitro similar to those of metastatic melanoma cells or those induced by various oncogenes but that constitutive production of bFGF by itself is insufficient to make melanocytes tumorigenic. The experiments also show that melanocytes transformed by the selected oncogenes respond differentially to various environments in vivo.

Adenovirus E1A-mediated negative control of genes activated during F9 differentiation

The phenotype of a differentiated cell results from the expression of a unique set of genes in that cell. The differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells in response to retinoic acid and cyclic AMP is an excellent example of this process, as the appearance of several gene products during the course of the differentiation process has been documented. In principle, the activation of gene expression could be due to the appearance of positive-acting factors, the loss of negative-acting factors, or a combination of both. Since F9 cells have been shown to express a cellular E1A analog whereas differentiated F9 cells do not, and it is known that the viral E1A gene exerts a negative effect on transcription of both viral and cellular genes, we determined whether the cellular genes activated during F9 cell differentiation are subject to E1A negative control. We found that infection of differentiated F9 cells with wild-type adenovirus resulted in a decline in the levels of collagen type IV mRNA and plasminogen activator mRNA, both of which are induced by differentiation. At least for the collagen gene, this phenomenon appears to involve a transcriptional repression.

Characterization of cDNAs of spliced HPV-11 E2 mRNA and other HPV mRNAs recovered via retrovirus-mediated gene transfer

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with hyperproliferations of cutaneous or mucosal epithelium. These viruses cannot be propagated in any cell culture system. Because cloning cDNA copies of HPV mRNAs recovered from human lesions has met with only very limited success, the characterization of HPV mRNAs has been problematic. Using the Moloney murine leukemia virus vector system (C.L. Cepko, B.E. Roberts, and R.C. Mulligan, 1984, Cell 37, 1053-1062), we have recovered cDNAs of spliced E2 mRNAs of human papillomavirus type 11 and additional mRNAs of type 11 and type 18 and determined the utilization of open reading frames (ORFs) in the DNA sequences. The recovery of cDNA copies of messages with splice sites identical to those previously described strongly suggests that the newly characterized splice donors and acceptors are also authentic. The HPV-11 E2 cDNA contains the intact E6 and E7 ORFs and the beginning of the E1 ORF in the first exon, which is then spliced from nt 847 to the second exon at nt 2622, 100 nucleotides upstream from the initiation codon for the E2 ORF. The initiation codon in the E1 ORF is followed by four additional in-frame AUG triplets and an in-frame termination codon positioned 30 nucleotides upstream from the initiation codon for the E2 protein. The authenticity of this putative E2 cDNA was shown by its ability to provide enhancer transactivating activity in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) assays in several cell lines. A mutation in the genomic DNA at this splice acceptor site eliminates its activity, demonstrating that the splice is essential for the expression of the E2 protein. We conclude that the translation of the HPV-11 E2 protein requires internal initiation.

Cell lines established by a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large-T-antigen gene are growth restricted at the nonpermissive temperature

The thermolabile large T antigen, encoded by the simian virus 40 early-region mutant tsA58, was used to establish clonal cell lines derived from rat embryo fibroblasts. These cell lines grew continuously at the permissive temperature but upon shift-up to the nonpermissive temperature showed rapidly arrested growth. The growth arrest occurred in either the G1 or G2 phase of the cell cycle. After growth arrest, the cells remained metabolically active as assayed by general protein synthesis and the ability to exclude trypan blue. The inability of these cell lines to divide at the nonpermissive temperature was not readily complemented by the exogenous introduction of other nuclear oncogenes. This finding suggests that either these genes establish cells via different pathways or that immortalization by one oncogene results in a finely balanced cellular state which cannot be adequately complemented by another establishment gene.

Adenovirus E1A-mediated negative control of genes activated during F9 differentiation

The phenotype of a differentiated cell results from the expression of a unique set of genes in that cell. The differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells in response to retinoic acid and cyclic AMP is an excellent example of this process, as the appearance of several gene products during the course of the differentiation process has been documented. In principle, the activation of gene expression could be due to the appearance of positive-acting factors, the loss of negative-acting factors, or a combination of both. Since F9 cells have been shown to express a cellular E1A analog whereas differentiated F9 cells do not, and it is known that the viral E1A gene exerts a negative effect on transcription of both viral and cellular genes, we determined whether the cellular genes activated during F9 cell differentiation are subject to E1A negative control. We found that infection of differentiated F9 cells with wild-type adenovirus resulted in a decline in the levels of collagen type IV mRNA and plasminogen activator mRNA, both of which are induced by differentiation. At least for the collagen gene, this phenomenon appears to involve a transcriptional repression.

Restoration of growth potential in paraclones of human keratinocytes by a viral oncogene

Human diploid keratinocytes may be divided into three clonal types with differing capacities for proliferation. The paraclone, which has the shortest life span, is limited to 15 divisions, after which all the cells undergo programmed terminal differentiation. By means of a retroviral vector, paraclones which have not completed their life span and which consist of not more than a few hundred cells can be transduced at a high frequency with DNA complementary to the 12S transcript of the adenovirus early region 1A gene. Transformation can be detected within a single cultivation by the formation of progressively growing colonies. The transformants appear to have an unlimited growth potential, and they form a disorganized epidermis when they are grafted as an epithelium onto athymic mice. These experiments clearly show that, in order to be transformed by a viral oncogene, the target cell need not be a stem cell.

Cell lines established by a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large-T-antigen gene are growth restricted at the nonpermissive temperature

The thermolabile large T antigen, encoded by the simian virus 40 early-region mutant tsA58, was used to establish clonal cell lines derived from rat embryo fibroblasts. These cell lines grew continuously at the permissive temperature but upon shift-up to the nonpermissive temperature showed rapidly arrested growth. The growth arrest occurred in either the G1 or G2 phase of the cell cycle. After growth arrest, the cells remained metabolically active as assayed by general protein synthesis and the ability to exclude trypan blue. The inability of these cell lines to divide at the nonpermissive temperature was not readily complemented by the exogenous introduction of other nuclear oncogenes. This finding suggests that either these genes establish cells via different pathways or that immortalization by one oncogene results in a finely balanced cellular state which cannot be adequately complemented by another establishment gene.

The amino-terminal region of the adenovirus serotype 5 E1a protein performs two separate functions when expressed in primary baby rat kidney cells

Adenovirus serotype 5 E1a proteins immortalize primary cells and in cooperation with products of a second oncogene, such as adenovirus serotype 5 E1b or EJ ras, produce full transformation. E1a also activates transcription of specific viral and cellular promoters, represses enhancer-dependent genes, and induces cellular DNA synthesis in quiescent cells. Comparison of different adenovirus serotypes has identified three conserved regions in the E1a protein sequence. We have analyzed E1a mutants with deletions-linker insertions in or preceding the first conserved region, region 1 (amino acids 40 through 77 of adenovirus serotype 5 E1a). E1a mutants which have in-frame deletions-substitutions in region 1 or pre-region 1 sequences were reconstructed into adenovirus to yield a total of 14 mutant viruses. All the mutant viruses showed wild-type growth in HeLa cells, confirming that region 1 is nonessential in these cells. However, we show that region 1 provides two distinct functions in infected primary rodent cells. One function is essential for induction of cell DNA synthesis, and the other is essential for focus formation. In addition, our results are consistent with a requirement for the DNA induction function in focus formation.

Transduction of the human insulin gene via retroviral vectors fails to yield spliced transcripts

Previous reports on retroviral vectors have shown them to be useful for transferring genes into animal cells. Genes placed under the retroviral long terminal repeat (LTR) act as dominant loci in recipient cells and can permanently alter their genotype and phenotype. Previous reports have shown that recombinant retroviruses containing genomic sequences with both introns and exons display a high frequency of deletion and abnormal kinetics of splicing of intron sequences. We report here our findings when a 2.9-kb fragment containing the entire human insulin gene was inserted into a Moloney-derived retroviral vector in the same transcriptional orientation as the LTRs. RNA transcripts synthesized in cells containing such constructs remain unspliced, as assessed by both RNA blot analysis and S1 mapping. Ten subclones derived following viral passage showed no splicing, and failure to splice was observed regardless of cell type or species of origin, or number of viral passages. Thus, genomic sequences containing introns when situated within the context of a retroviral transcript do not in all instances exhibit expected kinetics of splicing.

Molecular cloning and characterization of cellular genes whose expression is repressed by the adenovirus E1a gene products and growth factors in quiescent rat cells

Several cDNA clones of cellular genes, whose expression is repressed by the adenovirus type-12 E1a gene products, were isolated from a rat 3Y1 cell cDNA library by differential plaque hybridization with labeled cDNA probes prepared from 3Y1 and the derivative cell line expressing the E1a gene constitutively. The changes in the levels of these gene transcripts during cell-cycle progression from G0 to G1 to S phase were analyzed with 3Y1 cells and gMA cell lines, derived from 3Y1 cells, in which the expression of the E1a gene or its 13S, 12S cDNA can be switched on by the addition of dexamethasone. Quantitation of the transcripts by Northern-blot hybridizations and by nuclear run-on experiments revealed the following. (i) The level of clone-53 mRNA (which turned out to be the fibronectin (FN)-coding mRNA) is very high in resting gMA cells and decreased rapidly after switching on of the E1a gene or its 13S, or 12S cDNA. (ii) The addition of serum or platelet-derived growth factor to resting 3Y1 cells also resulted in a rapid decrease in the FN mRNA level, but the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) had little or no effect. (iii) The level of clone-56 mRNA in gMA cells was not affected by the induction of the E1a gene expression; however, the addition of EGF to resting gMA or 3Y1 cells resulted in a decrease of this mRNA after a 12- to 16-h lag period. Induction of the E1a gene expression in gMA cells treated with EGF shortened the lag period. The addition of serum to resting 3Y1 cells decreased the clone-56 mRNA level without a significant lag period.

The amino-terminal region of the adenovirus serotype 5 E1a protein performs two separate functions when expressed in primary baby rat kidney cells

Adenovirus serotype 5 E1a proteins immortalize primary cells and in cooperation with products of a second oncogene, such as adenovirus serotype 5 E1b or EJ ras, produce full transformation. E1a also activates transcription of specific viral and cellular promoters, represses enhancer-dependent genes, and induces cellular DNA synthesis in quiescent cells. Comparison of different adenovirus serotypes has identified three conserved regions in the E1a protein sequence. We have analyzed E1a mutants with deletions-linker insertions in or preceding the first conserved region, region 1 (amino acids 40 through 77 of adenovirus serotype 5 E1a). E1a mutants which have in-frame deletions-substitutions in region 1 or pre-region 1 sequences were reconstructed into adenovirus to yield a total of 14 mutant viruses. All the mutant viruses showed wild-type growth in HeLa cells, confirming that region 1 is nonessential in these cells. However, we show that region 1 provides two distinct functions in infected primary rodent cells. One function is essential for induction of cell DNA synthesis, and the other is essential for focus formation. In addition, our results are consistent with a requirement for the DNA induction function in focus formation.

A retrovirus expressing the 12S adenoviral E1A gene product can immortalize epithelial cells from a broad range of rat tissues

An epithelial cell-transforming virus could be of great use, both in the culture of epithelial cell lines and in the study of carcinogenesis. Since the adenoviral E1A gene has been shown to partially transform some epithelial cells from primary rat cell cultures, we constructed retrovirus vectors containing either the 12S or 13S E1A cDNA sequences to facilitate the transfer of these genes into a variety of primary cell types. The 12S E1A virus induced proliferation and immortalization of epithelial cells in rat kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, and thyroid primary cultures. In the two cases tested, heart and liver cultures, E1A-immortalized cells were nontumorigenic, but could be completely transformed by subsequent introduction of the ras oncogene. To our surprise, the 13S virus had a greatly reduced immortalization potential. We discuss these data in light of the model of Spindler et al. (K. R. Spindler, C. Y. Eng, and A.-J. Berk, J. Virol. 53:742-750, 1985), in which the 12S E1A protein is required for the complete induction of the cellular DNA replication machinery in the quiescent human epithelial cells in which adenoviruses normally replicate.

Use of recombinant retroviruses to study the regulation of integrated adenovirus early promoters

Adenovirus E1A gene products are capable of modulating the expression of a variety of integrated genes. To study the mechanisms by which this regulation occurs, recombinant retroviruses have been utilized to establish cell lines containing an integrated copy of either the adenovirus E2 or E3 promoter adjacent to the bacterial guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (GPT) gene. These cell lines have been characterized with respect to both basal and E1A-induced levels of GPT gene expression. Cell lines with low levels of GPT gene expression showed increased expression in the presence of E1A, whereas cell lines with high basal levels of GPT gene expression had decreased GPT RNA levels in the presence of E1A. Further characterization of these cell lines revealed E1A modulation of the accumulation of RNA initiating at a retrovirus promoter adjacent to the E2 or E3 promoter. The use of the GPT gene as a marker of E2 or E3 promoter activity has allowed the isolation of cell lines which have spontaneously increased their levels of GPT RNA. A preliminary characterization of four of these cell lines has indicated that GPT gene expression is increased as a result of cis activation of the E2 promoter.

Alternative mechanisms for activation of human immunodeficiency virus enhancer in T cells

The expression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after T cell activation is regulated by NF-kappa B, an inducible DNA-binding protein that stimulates transcription. Proteins encoded by a variety of DNA viruses are also able to activate expression from the HIV enhancer. To determine how this activation occurs, specific genes from herpes simplex virus type 1 and adenovirus that activate HIV in T lymphoma cells have been identified. The cis-acting regulatory sequences in the HIV enhancer that mediate their effect have also been characterized. The relevant genes are those for ICP0-an immediate-early product of herpes simplex virus type 1-and the form of E1A encoded by the 13S messenger RNA of adenovirus. Activation of HIV by adenovirus E1A was found to depend on the TATA box, whereas herpesvirus ICP0 did not work through a single defined cis-acting element. These findings suggest multiple pathways that can be used to bypass normal cellular activation of HIV, and they raise the possibility that infection by herpes simplex virus or adenovirus may directly contribute to the activation of HIV in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome by mechanisms independent of antigenic stimulation in T cells.

A retrovirus expressing the 12S adenoviral E1A gene product can immortalize epithelial cells from a broad range of rat tissues

An epithelial cell-transforming virus could be of great use, both in the culture of epithelial cell lines and in the study of carcinogenesis. Since the adenoviral E1A gene has been shown to partially transform some epithelial cells from primary rat cell cultures, we constructed retrovirus vectors containing either the 12S or 13S E1A cDNA sequences to facilitate the transfer of these genes into a variety of primary cell types. The 12S E1A virus induced proliferation and immortalization of epithelial cells in rat kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, and thyroid primary cultures. In the two cases tested, heart and liver cultures, E1A-immortalized cells were nontumorigenic, but could be completely transformed by subsequent introduction of the ras oncogene. To our surprise, the 13S virus had a greatly reduced immortalization potential. We discuss these data in light of the model of Spindler et al. (K. R. Spindler, C. Y. Eng, and A.-J. Berk, J. Virol. 53:742-750, 1985), in which the 12S E1A protein is required for the complete induction of the cellular DNA replication machinery in the quiescent human epithelial cells in which adenoviruses normally replicate.

Induction of cell cycle progression by adenovirus E1A gene 13S- and 12S-mRNA products in quiescent rat cells

Rat 3Y1 cell lines that express either adenovirus type 12 E1A 13S mRNA or 12S mRNA in response to dexamethasone treatment were established by introduction of recombinant vector DNA containing the E1A 13S- or 12S-mRNA cDNA placed downstream of the hormone-inducible promoter of mouse mammary tumor virus. These cell lines were growth arrested, and the induction of cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry after switch on of the cDNA by the addition of dexamethasone. The results indicate that the 13S- or 12S-mRNA product alone has the ability to cause progression of the cell cycle at a similar rate. The simultaneous addition of epidermal growth factor accelerated the rate of cell cycle progression in the transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.

Human beta-globin gene expression after gene transfer using retroviral vectors

A retroviral vector containing a 4.4-kb Pst I human beta S-globin gene and a neomycin resistance gene was used to infect NIH-3T3 and mouse erythroleukemia cells (MELC). In MELC, human beta-globin mRNA transcripts are transcribed and properly initiated and spliced. In some cases, there is an appropriate increase in beta-globin mRNA on addition of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), an inducer of hemoglobin synthesis and erythroid differentiation in these cells. When NIH-3T3 cells are infected with the same retroviral vector, there is less globin mRNA accumulation and no evidence for appropriate regulation. Human beta-globin gene expression in MELC clones induced with DMSO is 2-3% that of endogenous mouse beta-globin gene expression. These results indicate that retroviral vectors can be used to transfer and appropriately express human beta-globin genes in erythroid cells.

Induction of cell cycle progression by adenovirus E1A gene 13S- and 12S-mRNA products in quiescent rat cells

Rat 3Y1 cell lines that express either adenovirus type 12 E1A 13S mRNA or 12S mRNA in response to dexamethasone treatment were established by introduction of recombinant vector DNA containing the E1A 13S- or 12S-mRNA cDNA placed downstream of the hormone-inducible promoter of mouse mammary tumor virus. These cell lines were growth arrested, and the induction of cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry after switch on of the cDNA by the addition of dexamethasone. The results indicate that the 13S- or 12S-mRNA product alone has the ability to cause progression of the cell cycle at a similar rate. The simultaneous addition of epidermal growth factor accelerated the rate of cell cycle progression in the transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.