After transfection of amplification-promoting DNA elements into mammalian cells, homogeneously staining regions (HSRs) are formed by high copy numbers of transfected DNA arranged in head-to-tail polymers. Here, we wanted to evaluate the stability of this type of HSR during prolonged cultivation of transfected cells in selective medium. Thymidine kinase-deficient mouse L cells were transfected with pAPR4tk DNA harboring the amplification-promoting element 4 (APR4) linked to the gene for thymidine kinase (TK) or, alternatively, transfected with a DNA construct (pAPR4t-PA) carrying, in addition, the expression cassette for human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). After transfection, one or two HSRs per cell were formed that disintegrated spontaneously after 25–40 wk of continuous cultivation in the presence of selective HAT (hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine) medium. Unexpectedly, plasmid DNA reinserted into a plethora of new chromosomal sites, as revealed by in situ hybridization and Southern blot analysis. Coincidently, secretion of t-PA decreased to 10–20% of its original level. After transfection of pAPR4tk DNA lacking the t-PA expression cassette, HSR decay and reintegration of plasmid constructs into multiple chromosomal sites were also observed, whereas the ptk vector without an amplification-promoting DNA element did not form an HSR after transfection. We conclude that, in contrast to the pattern of known structures with head-to-tail arrangements, the HSR formed by amplification-promoting DNA elements represents a novel type of HSR that disintegrates by transposition into a plethora of new chromosomal integration sites. This process is mediated by the amplification-promoting DNA element itself and can be observed even when selective pressure is maintained.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.