A microsurgical methodology for human cells in vitro: evolution and applications.

A methodology for micromanipulating human cells of normal and malignant origin, in vitro, has evolved from the study of about 2000 HeLa, ERK (a subline of HeLa cells), and human embryonic lung cells during interphase and mitosis. It is now possible to microinject interphase cells with aqueous and nonaqueous fluids intracytoplasmically. Chromosomes from human embryonic lung metaphase cells have been transplanted. Chromosomes have been manipulated within mitotic human embryonic lung, ERK, and HeLa cells. Clones have been obtained from HeLa cells subjected to such manipulation. Predictable derangements of mitotic cells and their progeny have been obtained. Intranuclear injections of silicone oil, DNA, and sodium chloride solutions have been made with survival of the cells. HeLa cells have been cloned from such injected cells. Subcellular fractions have been introduced into the nuclei and cytoplasms of HeLa and human embryonic lung cells. The lung cells have been subjected to nuclear micropuncture in groups and a clone has been obtained. Virus suspensions have been introduced into the nuclei of HeLa cells without killing the cells. Applications of this methodology are discussed.