Neoplastic transformation of human epidermal keratinocytes by adenovirus 12 sv 40 and kirsten sarcoma viruses
Rhim, J.S.; Jay, G.; Arnstein, P.; Price, F.M.; Sanford, K.K.; Aaronson, S.A.
Science 227(4691): 1250-1252
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-7729 Accession: 005964153
Recent investigations have begun to dissect the number and nature of genetic alterations associated with cancer cells. In the present study, primary human epidermal keratinocytes acquired indefinite life-span in culture but did not undergo malignant conversion in response to infection with a hybrid of adenovirus 12 and SV-40. Addition of Kirsten murine sarcoma virus, which contains a K-ras oncogene, to these cells induced morphological alterations associated with the acquisition of neoplastic properties. These findings demonstrate the malignant transformation of human primary epithelial cells in culture and support a multiple-step process for neoplastic conversion.