Effect of DEAE-dextran on protein synthesis in HeLa cells.

Concentrations of DEAE-dextran which are currently used to stimulate the interaction between animal cells and natural or synthetic polynucleotides, inhibit protein synthesis in HeLa cells. This inhibition results from the blocking of more than one of the steps in protein synthesis, including transport of amino acids. The results support the hypothesis that enhancement of cellular competence for infection by viral RNA involves interference with initiation of cellular protein synthesis.