Tumorigenic conversion of primary embryo fibroblasts requires at least two cooperating oncogenes

Transgenic mice harboring SV40 T-antigen genes develop characteristic brain tumors

A high percentage of transgenic mice developing from eggs microinjected with plasmids containing the SV40 early region genes and a metallothionein fusion gene develop tumors within the choroid plexus. A line of mice has been established in which nearly every affected animal succumbs to this brain tumor. Thymic hypertrophy and kidney pathology are also observed in some mice. SV40 T-antigen mRNA and protein are readily detected in affected tissues; however, SV40 T-antigen gene expression is barely detectable in unaffected tissues or in susceptible tissues prior to overt pathology, suggesting that tumorigenesis depends upon activation of the SV40 genes. Comparison of DNA from tumor tissue (or cell lines derived from tumors) with DNA from unaffected tissues reveals structural rearrangements as well as changes in DNA methylation of the foreign DNA. The SV40 genes are frequently amplified in tumor tissue, which further indicates that their expression is intimately involved in tumorigenesis in transgenic mice.

Molecular cloning and characterization of avian sarcoma virus UR2 and comparison of its transforming sequence with those of other avian sarcoma viruses

Avian sarcoma virus UR2 and its associated helper virus, UR2AV , were molecularly cloned into lambda gtWES X lambda B by using unintegrated viral DNAs. One UR2 and several UR2AV clones were obtained. The UR2 DNA was subsequently cloned into pBR322. Both UR2 and UR2AV DNAs were tested for their biological activity by transfection onto chicken embryo fibroblasts. When cotransfected with UR2AV DNA, UR2 DNA was able to induce transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts with a morphology similar to that of parental UR2 . UR2 -specific protein with kinase activity and UR2 -specific RNA were detected in the transfected cells. Transforming virus, UR2 ( UR2AV ), was produced from the doubly transfected cells. Five of the six UR2AV clones tested were also shown to be biologically active. The insert of the UR2 DNA clone is 3.4 kilobases in length and contains two copies of the long terminal repeat. Detailed restriction mapping showed that UR2 DNA shared with UR2AV DNA 0.8 kilobases of 5' sequence, including a portion of 5' gag, and 1.4 kilobases of 3' sequence, including a portion of 3' env. The UR2 transforming sequence, ros, is ca. 1.2 kilobases. No significant homology was found between v-ros and the conserved regions of v-src, v-yes, or v- abl . By contrast, a significant homology was found between v-ros and v-fps. The v-fps-related sequence was mapped within a 300-base-pair sequence in the middle of ros.

Molecular cloning and restriction mapping of a simian virus 40 deletion mutant derived from simian transformants expressing a non-karyophilic T antigen

A replication-defective Simian virus 40 genome, with a deletion of about 120 nucleotides in the region encoding the N-terminal fourth of the large T antigen, has been isolated from the DNA of Simian cells transformed by SV40. Both the original transformants, and the murine transformants obtained by transfection with this cloned mutant DNA, produced a large T antigen displaying in immunofluorescence an exclusively cytoplasmic localization. The protein apparent molecular mass (83 kDa) was about 6% smaller than that of normal karyophilic large T. Restriction analysis showed that the deletion eliminated two close HinfI sites, at nucleotides 4459 and 4376 (map unit 0.50).

Tumorigenic activity of polyoma virus and SV40 DNAs in newborn rodents

A procedure has been developed whereby the oncogenicity of the DNA from polyoma (Py) virus and Simian virus 40 (SV40) can be tested directly by injecting recombinant DNA into newborn rodents. Injection of 0.2-2.0 micrograms of linear DNA induced the development of subcutaneous liposarcomas and fibrosarcomas at the site of inoculation. Coinjection of high-molecular-weight rat DNA as carrier had little or no effect on tumor formation but plasmids pBR322, pAT153 , and pML2 behaved as strong inhibitors. Tumor induction by injecting DNA into newborn rodents provides an in vivo equivalent to a transformation assay but appears to be a more stringent and rigorous criterion of oncogenic transformation. The oncogenic potential of Py virus in newborn hamsters could be expressed by a recombinant encoding only the middle T protein, although with average tumor latencies 5-10 times longer than those observed with wild-type Py DNA. Py middle T required the cooperation from small T to induce tumors in newborn rats. SV40 DNA was tumorigenic only in newborn hamsters. delta 2005 DNA which is unable to produce the SV40 small T antigen was much less active and required a latent period about twice that of wild-type SV40 DNA. However, its tumorigenic potential was restored by addition of the Py small T antigen gene. This indicates that Py and SV40 small T antigens are interchangeable and that they probably play an identical role in malignant transformation. Finally, evidence was provided that intermolecular recombination or recombination between DNA fragments can occur in vivo.

Viral transduction of c-myc gene in naturally occurring feline leukaemias

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is epidemiologically associated with induction of the majority of lymphoid tumours of the domestic cat. However, about one-third of these tumours are devoid of exogenous virus or show evidence of virus integration only after tumour outgrowth. To help define the genetic mechanisms of feline lymphomagenesis we have explored here the possibility that cellular oncogenes (c-onc genes) are rearranged in tumour cell DNA. Of 16 FeLV-positive T-cell tumours among 31 naturally occurring lymphomas, 2 showed evidence of recombinant FeLV proviruses containing myc oncogene sequences. One of the two produced a transmissible myc-containing FeLV. In both cases c-myc and its surrounding DNA appeared unaltered. We believe that the association of myc with FeLV may result in its activation and play a part in the development of a significant fraction of cat T-cell lymphomas. Our findings contrast with studies of experimental induction of chicken lymphoma, in which myc activation occurs by retrovirus promoter insertion near c-myc (refs 3-5), rather than by incorporation into virus.

Expression of cellular oncogenes in human malignancies

Cellular oncogenes have been implicated in the induction of malignant transformation in some model systems in vitro and may be related to malignancies in vivo in some vertebrate species. This article describes a study of the expression of 15 cellular oncogenes in fresh human tumors from 54 patients, representing 20 different tumor types. More than one cellular oncogene was transcriptionally active in all of the tumors examined. In 14 patients it was possible to study normal and malignant tissue from the same organ. In many of these patients, the transcriptional activity of certain oncogenes was greater in the malignant than the normal tissue. The cellular fes (feline sarcoma) oncogene, not previously known to be transcribed in mammalian tissue, was found to be active in lung and hematopoietic malignancies.

Transforming potential of deletion mutants of the SV40 T antigen coding gene in Syrian hamster cells

Thymidine kinase-deficient syrian hamster cells were cotransfected with recombinant plasmids containing the thymidine kinase (TK) gene of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, and either intact or partially deleted SV40 T antigen-coding genes. The transformants were selected by their ability to grow in gHAT medium. After selection and cloning, the TK-positive transformants that also expressed T antigen were tested for the extent of their transformation with respect to a number of characteristics, which included saturation density, ability to grow in soft agar, resistance to butyrate and to dibutyryl-cAMP, and plating efficiency. The combined results of these various tests indicate that cells containing partially deleted SV40 T antigen-coding genes are less transformed than cells containing an intact SV40 T antigen-coding gene. However, the amounts of T antigen are lower in cells transformed by deletion mutants than in cells transformed by wild-type T antigen-coding gene. Our data indicate that both the quantity and the quality of T antigen may be important in determining the degree of transformation in Syrian hamster cells.

Human oncogenes

The information published on human oncogenes up to the fall of 1983 is reviewed. Retroviral oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, and cellular transforming genes are compared. Transforming genes derived from the ras gene family are described in detail. The different mechanisms of activation of proto-oncogenes are summarized. Finally, the concerted or sequential action of cellular transforming genes in the multi-step process of carcinogenesis is discussed.

Polyoma middle T antigen requires cooperation from another gene to express the malignant phenotype in vivo

The oncogenic potential of polyomavirus in newborn hamsters can be expressed by a recombinant encoding only the middle T protein. However, polyoma middle T requires the cooperation from small T to induce tumors in newborn rats. Similar complementary functions such as cocarcinogens or tumor promotors can be exerted by the simian virus 40 T antigens as well as by one or several products of the early region 1A of adenovirus 2.

Expressions of the c-Ha-ras and c-myc genes in rat liver tumors

Expressions of the c-Ha-ras and c-myc genes were studied by Northern blotting of total RNA from primary tumors and non-tumorous parts of the liver of rats given diet containing 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-Me-DAB) and from established rat hepatoma cell lines. The expression of the c-Ha-ras gene was found to be high in the primary tumors, non-tumorous parts of 3'-Me-DAB-treated livers and hepatoma cell lines. In contrast, the c-myc gene was expressed at a high level only in primary tumors and hepatoma cell lines. During 3'-Me-DAB treatment, the c-Ha-ras mRNA level in the liver increased by day 5 and then remained high. Increase in expression of the c-Ha-ras gene in regenerating liver was confirmed. These findings suggest that increase in expression of the c-Ha-ras gene is related to proliferation of hepatocytes, whereas expression of the c-myc gene is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis.

A transforming ras gene in tumorigenic guinea pig cell lines initiated by diverse chemical carcinogens

Fetal guinea pig cells were transformed by treatment with four different chemical carcinogens including nitroso compounds and polycyclic hydrocarbons. As a consequence of this treatment, oncogenes capable of transforming NIH/3T3 cells became activated in each of five independently established clonal guinea pig cell lines. Molecular characterization of representative NIH/3T3 transformants revealed that the same oncogene was present in each of the cell lines tested. Moreover, detection of this transforming gene paralleled the acquisition of tumorigenic properties by these neoplastic cells.

Concomitant synthesis of growth factors and their receptors--an aspect of malignant transformation

Sporn and Todaro [1] have suggested that malignant transformation may involve autocrine stimulation by transforming growth factors. In an extension of this hypothesis it is proposed that the malignant phenotype may be characterized by the simultaneous expression of a growth factor and its appropriate receptor, either one of which, but not both can be expressed by normal cells.

Studies on chemical carcinogen enhancement of Epstein-Barr virus induced transformation of human neonatal and adult peripheral blood lymphocytes

The effects of a wide range of selected chemical carcinogens on the frequency of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced transformation have been investigated. The carcinogens tested included direct-acting chemicals and chemicals requiring either activation via reactions with nucleophiles, or cell-mediated enzyme activation. Treatment with some but not all chemicals suspected of being carcinogens resulted in enhanced EBV-induced transformation of neonatal or adult peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The temporal relationship between carcinogen exposure and EBV infection could dramatically influence the results of the chemical carcinogen-cellular interaction as measured by the cells' ability to subsequently undergo morphologic transformation. This relationship was particularly evident when cells were treated with alkylating agents such as dimethylsulfonate (DMS) or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Beginning at 24 h, and at later times following EBV-infection, cellular transformation became more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of DMS and, in contrast, more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of MNNG. These diametrically opposed results clearly demonstrate the ability of EBV infection to alter the response of lymphocytes to chemical carcinogens as measured by transformation. The lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) established from carcinogen-treated PBLs had increased cloning efficiency. Furthermore, using radiolabelled, molecularly cloned subgenomic fragments of EBV DNA and DNA-DNA hybridization, we have been able to detect an increased number of EBV genome equivalents in whole-cell and high-molecular-weight cellular DNA extracted from LCLs established from MNNG as well as DMS-treated PBLs. We propose that carcinogen enhancement of EBV-induced transformation is an example of a two-step mechanism of oncogenic transformation in primary human lymphoid cells. The possible significance of these findings in relation to potential development of lymphomas following EBV exposure will be discussed.

Selective reduction of c-myc mRNA in Daudi cells by human beta interferon

Under normal growth conditions, the human lymphoblastoid cell line Daudi expresses high levels of c-myc mRNA. These cells are also sensitive to growth inhibition by interferons. We have compared the levels of mRNA for the c-myc in untreated and human beta interferon (IFN-beta)-treated Daudi cells by RNA dot-blot and blot-hybridization analysis methods. Using a synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to the human c-myc mRNA as the probe, we detected a more than 75% reduction in the c-myc hybridizable poly(A)+ RNA in the IFN-beta-treated cells. This reduction in the c-myc mRNA appears to be selective because the level of actin mRNA is not significantly affected by the IFN-beta treatment. In addition, neither in vitro translation of mRNA extracted from IFN-beta-treated cells nor in vivo synthesis of cellular proteins in IFN-beta-treated cells are quantitatively affected. We surmise that the selective reduction in the amount of c-myc mRNA in IFN-beta-treated Daudi cells may be related to the IFN-induced inhibition of the Daudi tumor cell growth.

A novel 6:10 chromosomal translocation in the murine plasmacytoma NS-1

Specific chromosomal abnormalities are regularly associated with many murine and human malignancies. In particular, the majority of murine plasmacytomas and human Burkitt's lymphomas contain a characteristic translocation which results in the juxtaposition of a cellular oncogene, c-myc, with the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene locus, and this rearranged c-myc directs the synthesis of qualitatively and quantitatively abnormal transcripts which may have an aetiological role in the development of the transformed state in lymphoid malignancies. Similarly, rearrangement and abnormal expression of c-myb (ref. 10) and c-mos (ref. 11) has been reported in other murine lymphoid tumours. Here we describe a novel 6:10 chromosomal translocation in the murine plasmacytoma cell line NS-1 which juxtaposes the immunoglobulin Ck gene with a single-copy sequence of unknown function. The NS-1 plasmacytoma is a frequently used fusion partner in hybridoma production and is known to contain a rearranged c-myc gene and a genetic element which transforms normal mouse fibroblasts in DNA-mediated transfection assays. We conclude that individual B-cell tumours may contain multiple chromosomal translocations perhaps relevant to oncogenesis.

Mechanisms for the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis: a review and a new concept

Carcinogenesis in humans is a multistage process, and the two major stages have been designated initiation and promotion. Although the biochemical basis for initiation and promotion remains to be established, recent research has provided important insights into potentially significant biologic mechanisms. These data are reviewed, and a new concept of carcinogenesis is presented. This concept suggests that the initiation of carcinogenesis may result from cellular immortalization and the development of defects in the integrated control of stem cell proliferation and differentiation and that the promotion of carcinogenesis may result when such initiated stem cells develop aberrant autoregulatory growth-control properties.

Cell-cycle control of c-myc but not c-ras expression is lost following chemical transformation

Cellular oncogenes are DNA sequences implicated in the genesis of cancer, but their functions in the transformation process are not understood. Our experiments provide data linking expression of two well-studied proto-oncogenes, c-myc and c-rasKi, to current knowledge of proliferation control and its perturbation by differentiation and chemical transformation. Growth stimulation of quiescent cells by serum elevates expression of the myc proto-oncogene in Balb/c 3T3 (A31) cells. In two chemically transformed A31 derivatives (BPA31 and DA31), c-myc expression is constitutive. The levels of c-myc mRNA in quiescent and growing transformed cells are nearly the same, and are only slightly elevated compared to the level found in growing A31 cells. By contrast, c-rasKi expression is cell-cycle-dependent in BPA31 cells. The relative abundance of c-rasKi mRNA begins to increase in mid- to late G0/G1. During terminal differentiation of teratocarcinoma stem cells (F9) into nonproliferating endoderm, relative mRNA abundance is diminished more markedly for c-myc than for c-rasKi. These results demonstrate that expression of the myc and rasKi proto-oncogenes is dependent upon the cellular growth state, and that growth control exhibits growth-factor-dependent, cell-cycle-timed oncogene expression. In the case of the BPA31 cells, c-myc is not rearranged, amplified, or overexpressed. However, the oncogene has lost its cycle-dependent regulation in the chemically transformed cells.

Onc genes and other new targets for cancer chemotherapy

Recent advances in molecular biology have raised the hope that understanding of human cancer might progress rapidly and that improvements in therapy might result (Bishop 1983a, b; Busch 1962; Busch 1976; Duesberg 1983). With the development of gene cloning, DNA sequence analysis and improved hybridization methods, it became possible to evaluate whether cancer results from alteration in gene dosage, point or multiple mutation of genes, translocations, deletions, insertions, inversions, cis or trans altered promoters, amplification, and a variety of other genetic factors, including enhancer elements that alter rates of readouts of particular mRNA species. "Onc genes" are under intensive study because they offer manageable probes for evaluation of these various possibilities and also because the study of their cellular analogs may further understanding of the molecular biology of normal fetal and malignant cells. Despite the excessive enthusiasm of some proponents of this field and the negativism of its critics (Bishop 1983 a, b; Duesberg 1983), it is clear that analytical tools and new information will be of value in further studies on experimental cancer, regardless of whether cellular oncogenes (c-onc genes) have anything to do with human cancer or not. In the meantime, studies on enzymes, proteins and epitopes involved in growth processes, have opened new avenues for inhibition of human cancer by quantitative reduction of biosynthetic reactions.

Activation of a translocated human c-myc gene by an enhancer in the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus

A tissue-specific transcriptional enhancer element that is associated with the human immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus is defined. In a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that contains a translocated c-myc gene this enhancer is retained on the 14q+ chromosome and occurs within sequences shown to activate previously cryptic promoters of the c-myc gene.

Homologous cell-derived oncogenes in avian carcinoma virus MH2 and murine sarcoma virus 3611

Retroviral oncogenes (v-onc) are derived from cellular genes (c-onc) which are highly conserved among different species. Retrovirus-transduced oncogenes are most commonly associated with the induction of haematopoietic tumours and sarcomas. The avian retrovirus Mill Hill no. 2 (MH2) was isolated from a spontaneous ovarian tumour of a chicken and is distinguished by the predominant induction of liver and kidney carcinomas in fowl. MH2 also induces transformation of fibroblasts, macrophages and epithelial cells in culture. The genome of MH2 contains two unrelated and independently expressed cell-derived oncogenes, v-mil and v-myc. Three other viral isolates among avian acute transforming retroviruses contain the v-myc oncogene, but only MH2 contains both v-myc and v-mil. Hence, some of the pathogenic specificities of MH2 may be due to the simultaneous expression of two oncogenes. The murine sarcoma virus 3611 (3611-MSV) isolated from a mouse carrying lung carcinoma and peritoneal tumours, induces fibrosarcomas in newborn mice and the transformation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells in culture. The oncogenic properties of 3611-MSV are due to the presence in its genome of a cell-derived oncogene termed v-raf. We report here that the two independently transduced oncogenes v-mil and v-raf are closely related and that they were apparently derived from homologous cellular genes of avian and mammalian species.

The role of genotoxic carcinogens and of promoters in carcinogenesis and in human cancer causation

The majority of human cancers have multifactorial environmental causes stemming mainly from lifestyle factors such as use of tobacco products through cigarette smoking, snuff dipping, or chewing, and specific nutritional elements and dietary practices. The mechanisms of these lifestyle factors can be analyzed in terms of specific genotoxic carcinogens, and of epigenetic agents or promoting factors. Tobacco and tobacco smoke contain not only genotoxic carcinogens but also, with a more important ultimate effect, cocarcinogens and promoters. Alcohol acts as a cocarcinogen with tobacco, possibly by modifying the metabolism of carcinogens in select organs. Genotoxic carcinogens as nutritional factors may be found in pickled, salted, and smoked foods and may be responsible for gastric cancer. Vitamins C and E and other antioxidants are effective inhibitors. Other types of genotoxic carcinogens are mutagenic chemicals found in broiled and fried foods, and these may be involved in cancer of the colon, breast, and prostate. Promoting effects derive from a high level of dietary fat, which has been linked epidemiologically and through laboratory studies to a higher risk for these cancers. Possible mechanisms by which fat exerts its effects are an increased concentration of bile acids in the stool, as related to colon cancer, and which may be countered by a high cereal fiber diet, to increase stool bulk. In relation to breast or prostate cancer, fat may exert its effect on complex hormonal balances, and also on membrane composition. These promoting effects, whether associated with tobacco smoke or nutrition, are highly dose-dependent, and provided the insult is not too far advanced, reversible. Thus, lowering the dosage, or eliminating the effect as in smoking cessation should have an appreciable effect in reducing overt disease development, and do so fairly promptly. This may apply also to a reduction of second disease in cases where a first occurrence has been successfully treated by conventional means.

Transformation by human adenoviruses

When, approximately 10 years ago, it was shown that the functions essential for cell transformation were localized in a small region of the adenovirus genome, a DNA segment which at that time was thought to be capable of encoding two or three average-sized proteins at most, it seemed reasonable to hope that an understanding of the mechanisms by which adenoviruses transform cells might be quickly achieved. While such optimism might be forgiven, it was quite clearly naive in the extreme. As a consequence of mRNA splicing and the use of overlapping reading frames the number of proteins encoded within E1 is 2-3-times greater than would have been predicted a decade ago, and post-translational modifications may add another dimension of complexity. In fact it has taken nearly all of the past decade just to identify the proteins encoded in E1 and to characterize them in the most rudimentary way. However, we have now entered a period in which new information is accumulating at an extremely rapid rate as a result of several major technical and fundamental advances. Chief among these are the use of recombinant DNA techniques, particularly site-directed mutagenesis, which combined with methods for introducing mutations made in cloned sequences back into infectious virus, clearly represents a powerful approach to studying the functions of transforming proteins. In addition, the ability to express transforming proteins in bacteria and to produce large amounts of highly purified proteins which previously were only just detectable in infected and transformed cells is a major breakthrough. Advances in immunological techniques, particularly the development of monoclonal antibodies and antisera against synthetic peptides, have enormously simplified the task of detecting and characterizing E1 proteins. Finally, recent results suggesting that adenovirus transforming proteins may be functionally and structurally similar to other oncogenes brings a new perspective to the study of oncogenic transformation. Have all the proteins involved in transformation by adenoviruses been identified? It seems probable that all those virally coded proteins which play a major role are now known but of course minor players in the cast could still be waiting in the wings. We have pointed out that viral functions encoded outside region E1 may have some importance at least in initiation of transformation by virions and have speculated on the possibility that one or more of these may be involved in the integration of viral DNA into the host cell chromosome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Somatic cell fusion as a source of genetic rearrangement leading to metastatic variants

Tumor cell populations displaying metastatic properties often have higher gene dosage than their less malignant progenitor tumors, as shown by increased ploidy levels, chromosome duplication and gene amplification. The acquisition by tumor cells of high chromosome numbers may be due to endoreduplication or somatic hybridization either between tumor cells or between tumor and host cells. All such mechanisms increase genetic variability and instability in tumor cells since they trigger a polyploidization-segregation cycle. Among the wide variety of segregants which may emerge from high-ploidy cells, variants with increased malignancy can be positively selected in vivo. Evidence for in vivo fusion of tumor and normal host cells has been reported in different tumor systems. However the attainment by tumor-host hybrids of a higher degree of malignancy has only been observed following substantial chromosome segregation. The involvement of a cell of bone marrow origin as preferential host partner in the fusion process has been proved both by studies on tumor-host hybrids in bone marrow radiation chimeras and in vitro hybridization experiments between non-metastatic tumors and normal lymphoreticular cells which have led to the establishment of metastatic variants. Several different segregational mechanisms may bring about homozygosity or hemizygosity of recessive alleles in tumor-host hybrids, leading to their expression. The marked chromosome dynamics of tumor-host hybrids are also responsible for extensive chromosome rearrangements. At the molecular level these may represent mechanisms causing altered oncogene activity. The activation of new oncogenes by transposition or amplification as well as the amplification of previously activated oncogenes are the mechanisms most likely to be responsible for transition from low to high malignancy, occurring through ploidy changes, such as those produced by somatic mating.

The effect of translocations on the cellular myc gene in Burkitt lymphomas

Chromosomal translocations are found to be a characteristic feature of Burkitt lymphomas. Similar translocations are found in mouse plasmacytomas and both diseases involve interchanges between one of the immunoglobulin loci and DNA in the vicinity of the myc gene. The structure of the myc gene has been elucidated from studies on translocated versions of the gene. Activation of the myc gene may play a role in transformation by promoting growth of the cells bearing the rearranged chromosomes.

Protoneoplasia: the molecular biology of murine mammary hyperplasia

The mouse mammary tumor virus has provided a window into the inner workings of the mammary epithelial cell at the earliest stages of neoplasia. Techniques of molecular biology permitted us to look through that window revealing a new biology which deserves consideration as a model for mammary tumorigenesis in all species. According to this model the neoplastic process originates in a single mammary epithelial cell as a result of a critical genetic alteration, such as integration of MuMTV (MuMHV) into a key site in the mouse genome (Fig. 4). The genetic alteration immortalizes the cell and provides it with selective growth advantages which result in a clonal proliferation. This original proliferation emerges as the protoneoplastic mammary hyperplasia. The protoneoplastic cells have limited growth potential and are not obligated to undergo malignant transformation but they represent a genetically evolving population highly susceptible to full blown malignancy after exposure to carcinogens. Protoneoplastic cells which undergo further genetic alterations that provide additional selective growth advantages proliferate and emerge as malignant tumors. The genetic alterations are sometimes reflected by changes in viral DNA but this is not essential and most mouse mammary tumors probably do not occur as the result of new host-virus interactions. No doubt the current work on the mouse "int" loci will help define the genes responsible for the induction and maintenance of the protoneoplastic state. Since such host genes have proven so ubiquitous, one must also predict that analogous genes will be found in human mammary protoneoplasias. Detection of such sequences may help distinguish protoneoplastic processes from nonneoplastic, low risk hyperplasias in the human breast. Finally, the gene or genes involved in the more lethal malignant transformation await elucidation. Based on past and current progress one can be sure that the mouse mammary tumor system will help point the way.

Molecular lesions in cancer

Newer methods of identifying biochemical events associated with cancer include recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibodies and improved analysis of nuclear and other cell functions to determine specific events which occur commonly in cancer cells. 'Onc-gene' products offer potential opportunities for new approaches to cancer treatment and the hope of inducing differentiation of cancer cells toward their normal counterparts. Studies on antigens which react with monoclonal antibodies offer the opportunity for 'epitope attack' which may be effected by improved drugs or by design of totally new drugs to bind to specific reactive sites. The complexity and pleiomorphism of cancer do not permit predictions as to whether these approaches will be more effective than the empirical approach to cancer treatment.

Spreading of non-transformed and transformed cells

Mechanisms of cellular reactions responsible for the spreading of non-transformed cultured tissue cells on the surface of various substrata and relationships of these reactions to the control of cell proliferation are reviewed; the special role of the membrane-cytoskeleton interactions leading to extension and attachment of pseudopods is stressed. Transition of cells from non-transformed to transformed phenotype is characterized by decreased spreading and by decreased dependence of proliferation on spreading. Manifestations of both of these spreading-associated changes are reviewed and their possible mechanisms are discussed. It is suggested that cell transition to transformed phenotype involves shift of an equilibrium between the reactions induced by the two groups of membrane-bound ligands: those attached and those not attached to the substratum.

Do we understand the genetic mechanisms of oncogenesis? Keynote address for Honey Harbor meeting on cellular and molecular biology of neoplasia, October 2-6, 1983

Different experiments with viruses and transfection now support the classical view that cancer is the result of a multistep process. This analysis further indicates that some of these steps involve mutations affecting the qualitative and quantitative expression of dominant transforming genes or oncogenes. These mutations are spontaneous or induced and of various kinds, including base pair changes, deletions, translocations, and amplifications. The actions of the active transforming genes or oncogenes lead to the properties of the tumor cell. However, these activities are effective only in the appropriate cell with targets for the products of the oncogenes and without inhibitors. Because there will be multiple genetic changes in tumor cells, it is difficult to determine which changes are significant for the oncogenesis. Retrovirus vectors may be useful in this determination. In addition, our present methods of analysis may be missing certain of the multiple steps in oncogenesis, in particular, those involved with tissue-, organ-, and organism-specific controls.

Production of continuous mouse plasma cell lines by transfection with human leukemia DNA

Spleen cells from mice immunized with human cells were transfected with DNA from the human leukemia cell line, Reh. A calcium phosphate-DNA coprecipitate was introduced into the stimulated spleen cells by treatment with a polyethylene glycol-DMSO mixture. The cells which grew out from the transfected population could be passaged continuously in culture and cloned in semisolid agarose. The cell lines contain 40 acrocentric chromosomes, and Southern blot analysis with the cloned human Alu sequence indicates that human DNA is present. The transfected cell lines exhibit markers expressed on plasmacytoma cells and produce immunoglobulin in amounts equivalent to those produced by plasmacytoma cell lines. Five of nine cell lines tested produce antibodies that react with the human cells used to immunize the mice. These cell lines have been in culture for more than a year, and one of the lines has maintained a diploid karyotype and production of the specific antibody even after being passaged through a BALB/c mouse. Preliminary experiments indicate that these cells may be a useful model system for analysis of the early proliferative phase of leukocyte transformation.

Fourier analysis of the shape of normal and transformed epithelial cells derived from human transitional epithelium

The aim of this paper is to show the possibility of objective mathematical description of changes occurring in the shape of cells in the process of transformation. The evaluation of the changes in cell shape of the chosen cell lines differing in transformation grade was performed by the use of Fourier analysis of the shape. Any two-dimensional contour can be described with specific accuracy in a mathematical manner using the closed form Fourier series of cosines. The components forming the analysed shape, called harmonics, are independent and uncorrelated measures of their contribution to the total shape. The shape of each cell can be represented by the spectrum of harmonic amplitudes. To quote the paper by Healy-Williams and Williams (1981): "The observed shape is partitioned into series, where gross shape, as elongation or triangularity, is measured by the harmonic amplitudes of the lower harmonic order and increasingly fine scaled surface sculpture is measured at higher orders". The statistically evaluated results allow the objective comparison of the cell shapes of several compared cell lines differing in transformation grades. Malignant transformation is supposed to be a multistep process. The different grades of transformation could be defined by several parameters as changes in the morphology of the cells, their ability to compete with fibroblasts, their life span, their angiogenic potency, their invasiveness in vitro and their tumorigenicity in nude mice. In this paper several human urothelial cell lines of normal and tumor origin differing in their transformation grade (TGr I-III) were compared by the use of Fourier analysis of their shape. TGr I cultures have finite life span but do not need intermittent collagenase treatment to prevent fibroblast overgrowth. TGr II cultures acquire infinite growth potential, here defined as capacity to survive at least 70 passages. They are neither tumorigenic nor invasive. TGr III cultures show infinite growth transformation, increased angiogenicity and ability to invade normal host tissue in vitro. They produce progressively growing tumors in nude mice. The following human uroepithelial cell lines differing in the degree of transformation were studied and compared by statistical evaluation of the harmonic amplitudes describing mathematically the cell shape: Two cell lines derived from human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC): 1. Hu 1703S classified as TGr I, 2. Hu 1703He classified as TGr III. It was found that these two cell lines differ in all harmonics. Two cell lines derived from morphological normal human bladder epithelium: 3. HCV-29 classified as TGr II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)