Changes in cell attachment by RSV transformation in rat liver epithelial cells.

BRL, a non-malignant rat liver epithelial-like cell line, possessed the ability to adhere through fibronectin to a solid substrate. Oncogenical transformation of these BRL cells with RSV induced a significant decrease in the fibronectin molecules in the extracellular matrix and reduction in its ability to adhere to fibronectin. The alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits of integrin (fibronectin receptor) were quantitatively diminished during RSV transformation in BRL cells. These results suggest that adhesive reduction of BRL cells to a substrate by RSV transformation may be caused by a decrease in cell surface fibronectin and fibronectin receptor molecules.