Changes in cytoskeleton-associated molecules in cells with different degrees of proliferation and metastatic ability.

An antiserum prepared against the Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton of in vivo grown B16 melanoma tumor has been used to analyze the differential expression of cytoskeleton-associated molecules in cells with different degrees of proliferation and metastatic ability. This antiserum identified a major 97 kd molecule associated with the cytoskeletal fraction in B16 melanoma tumors, mouse embryo and in proliferating lymphocytes, with no reactivity with the 97 kd species in non proliferating lymphocytes. The antiserum revealed immune reactivity with a 180 kd Triton-insoluble species in normal adult mouse liver and kidney. A comparison of tumor cells with differing metastatic ability also showed a minor 180 kd component in poorly metastatic cells which appeared decreased and partly degraded in its more invasive counterpart. The differential recognition of a 97 kd species in resting and proliferating lymphocytes, as well as the different cleavage of a 180 kd species in tumor cells of differing metastatic ability, implies a role for these molecules in cell proliferation. The fact that these differences can be detected with an antiserum to tumor cell cytoskeleton suggests that this Triton-insoluble fraction may be a good source of molecules involved in growth control.