Microcell-mediated transfer of murine chromosomes into mouse, Chinese hamster, and human somatic cells.

In this report, we describe the production and characterization of proliferating hybrid cell populations generated by fusion of murine microcells with intact mouse, Chinese hamster, and human recipient cells. The microcell hybrids so produced contained one to five intact murine chromosomes derived from the microcell donor. these transferred chromosomes were maintained as functioning genetic elements in the hybrid cells. Our results firmly establish subnuclear particle-mediated chromosome transfer as a valid somatic cell genetic tool.