Differential transformation of primary human embryo retinal cells by adenovirus E1 regions and combinations of E1A + ras.

The efficiency of transformation of primary human embryo retinal (HER) cells by the adenovirus E1 region (E1A + E1B) depended on the virus serotype whereas transformation by E1A alone was a rare event regardless of serotype. Activated human c-Ha-ras and N-ras genes co-operated differentially with different E1As for HER transformation but were ineffective without E1A. Ras + E1A co-transformants containing Ad 12 E1A established directly from foci, in contrast to those containing Ad 2 or Ad 5 E1A. A spectrum of activated ras gene expression was found in stable co-transformants with mRNA and protein levels being lower in Ad 12 E1A + N-ras than Ad 2 E1A + N-ras cell lines. Down regulation of E1A transcription in the absence of E1B was found in Ad 2 E1A + Ha-ras transformants only but E1A protein levels were similar to those in Ad 2 E1A + N-ras or Ad 5 E1A + E1B cell lines. HER cell transformants which contained Ad 12 E1A were more tumourigenic than those which contained the Ad 2 or Ad 5 E1A. This unique transformation system shows that stable malignant transformation of primary human cells in vitro is a complex process requiring the combined activities of two or more types of genes.