DNA-mediated transformation in the platyfish-swordtail melanoma system.

A genetic marker, the tumor gene Tu, which causes the formation of abnormal melanophores, the T-melanophores, in the skin of Xiphophorine fish has been transferred by donor DNA from a Tu genotype to recipient embryos lacking Tu. Abnormal melanophores which are identical to the T-melanophores of the donor genotype occurred only in recipients treated with Tu-DNA and not in those treated with Tu-free control DNA.