Alterations of the growth characteristics of the fibroblast cell line C3H 10T1/2 by members of the Wnt gene family.

Retroviral vectors were used to introduce members of the Wnt gene family into the embryonic fibroblast cell line C3H 10T1/2. In contrast to previous reports where no effect of Wnt genes on fibroblasts was seen, we found that the expression of Wnt-1, Wnt-6 and Wnt-7b altered the appearance of the cells when maintained at confluence. The cells were smaller and grew to a higher density than cells containing a control retrovirus or cells expressing Wnt-4 or Wnt-5b. Detailed analysis of growth characteristics of polyclonally infected cultures demonstrated that the Wnt-1, Wnt-6 and Wnt-7b expressing cells grew to a higher density in 5% fetal calf serum than control or Wnt-5b expressing cells. Wnt-4 expressing cells grew to a marginally higher density than control cells. In 0.5% serum, growth of the Wnt-1, Wnt-6 and Wnt-7b containing cells appeared to be inhibited. No growth in soft agar was observed for either control cells or Wnt expressing cells. We conclude that at least some mesenchymal cells can respond to Wnt gene products. Our results are also the first report of biological effects of Wnt-6 and Wnt-7b.