Extraction of SV40 T-antigen from lysates of transformed cells.

Subcellular fractions from SV-40 transformed hamster lens cells, prepared by chemical extractions, were tested for the presence of T-antigen by immunoautoradiography. Most of the T-antigen was present in the nucleus and was resistant to extraction by 2 M NaCl, indicating an association with the nuclear matrix. Another part of the T-antigen was, under certain conditions, resistant to extraction of the cells with a nonionic detergent. This T-antigen could be solubilized by Ca2+ at low temperature, conditions that also cause a specific depolymerization of microtubules.