Microcell-mediated transfer of human DNA repair gene(s) into xeroderma pigmentosum cells

Abstract

Microcells were prepared by enucleation of micronucleated normal human diploid cells and these microcells were purified by using bovine serum albumin gradient. SV40-transformed xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) cells were fused with the purified microcells and UV resistant clones were obtained. Analysis of UV sensitivity and chromosome numbers of the transferred clones indicated that a part of genome of normal human cells were transferred and the gene(s) controlling excision repair of UV damage should have been introduced into the XP cells. Identification of chromosome(s) responsible for the DNA repair was not possible because of aberrent chromosome constitution of the recipient cells.