A novel mutant of mouse lymphoma cells sensitive to alkylating agents and caffeine.

Two-methyl-methanesulfonate-sensitive strains have been isolated, one of which, M10, was cross-sensitive to X-rays as reported before. Sensitivities of parental L5178Y, M10, and newly isolated MS-1 cells to various mutagens were examined. Mutagens tested were UV, X-rays, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), caffeine and alkylating agents; methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and mitomycin C (MMC). In terms of D37 values, M10 cells were 2.5-7 times more sensitive to EMS, MMC and 4NQO as well as to MMS and X-rays than were parental L5178Y cells, while the new mutant MS-1 was about 3 times more sensitive to MMS, EMS, MMC and caffeine than were parental cells. The characteristics in sensitivities of M10 cells to X-rays, alkylating agents and 4NQO resemble resemble some ataxia telangiectasia cells; and MS-1 cells to alkylating agents and caffeine are novel among mammalian cell mutants so far reported. Sensitivity of M10 cells to mutagens has so far been stable for one year, and that of MS-1 cells was stable for 6 months in continuous culture.