Neoplastic transformation of human epidermal keratinocytes by AD12-SV40 and Kirsten sarcoma viruses.

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 simian virus 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.