Antigens of a human breast carcinoma cell line (BT 20). I. Synthesis of serum proteins, membrane-associated antigens, and oncofetal-associated antigens.

The synthesis of various products by a human mammary cell line (BT 20) was studied by incorporation of 14C-labeled amino acids, choline, glucosamine, or galactosamine into nondialyzable materials. These products had molecular weights ranging from less than 12,300 daltons to more than 200,000 daltons. They were analyzed by immunoelectrophoresis and double diffusion in agar. Among the synthesized products, the following proteins were identified: beta2-glycoprotein I, alpha2HS-glycoprotein, alpha2-lipoprotein, actin, beta2-microglobulin, carcinoembryonic antigen, three oncofetal-associated antigens, and various erythrocyte membrane-associated antigens (namely, glycophorin). Synthesis of milk proteins was not detectable. Only the protein moiety of the glycophorin molecule seemed to be synthesized. The beta2-microglobulin was synthesized in an unbound state as well as bound to a glycoprotein whose relationship with the transplantation or tumor antigens must be determined. The three oncofetal-associated antigens were also synthesized in vitro by human fetal tissues and neoplastic and dysplastic human mammary tissues.