SPECIFICITY OF DNA-ASSOCIATED NUCLEAR ANTIGENS IN HELA-CELLS AND DISTRIBUTION DURING THE CELL-CYCLE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (9) , 3683-3688
Abstract
Chromosomal nonhistone protein:DNA complexes prepared from synchronized [human cervical carcinoma] HeLa cells were used to immunize white rabbits. The antisera reacted specifically in complement fixation tests with chromatins isolated from HeLa cells and not with those from several other human and animal tissues. Specificity to this cell type was also demonstrated by immunocytochemical reaction. Both immunochemical tests revealed that the specific antigens are continuously present throughout the cell cycle. Immunological activity depended upon chromosomal nonhistone protein(s) being bound to DNA. The findings are consistent with these chromatin antigens being stable nuclear components [complexes of chromosomal non-histone protein(s) with DNA] characteristic of cellular differentiation.