Membrane and genetic events in tumor promotion: studies with promoter resistant variants of JB6 cells.

The derivation and properties of JB6 mouse epidermal clonal cell lines are reviewed and the conclusions that can be drawn from studies with the JB6 mouse epidermal system are summarized. Promoter induced mitogenic stimulation, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor binding and stimulated hexose transport are apparently not required for promotion of neoplastic transformation in JB6 cells by phorbol esters and other promoters. Phorbol ester receptor binding (or protein kinase C activation) and switched-off collagen synthesis may be required but definitive proof is not available. Decreased cell surface ganglioside GT synthesis, elevated superoxide, and one or more genes that determine promotion sensitivity appear to distinguish sensitive from resistant cells and to be required for promotion of neoplastic transformation in JB6 cells. The hypothesis is proposed that GT is a target for reactive oxygen elevated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) exposure and that GT oxidation produces decreased GT net synthesis which in turn leads to promotion of transformation. Finally evidence is presented suggesting the involvement of at least two genes in transformation of JB6 cells by TPA, one in induction, the other in maintenance of transformation.