Reversible loss in suspension culture of a major cell-surface glycoprotein of the TA3-Ha mouse tumor.

A major cell-surface glycoprotein of the TA3-Ha ascites mammary adenocarcinoma diminished during transfer from ascites growth to cell growth in suspension culture. A sensitive, hemagglutination-inhibition assay that used a lectin from Vicia graminea seeds indicated approximately a 50% loss after 7-10 days of culture and a 90% loss after 2 months. These findings were corroborated by carbohydrate and amino acid analysis with gas-liquid chromatography of trypsin glycopeptides released from the cell surface. Repassage of the cultured cells in vivo caused the reappearance of the surface glycoprotein.