[Transformation of human corneal endothelial cells by micro- injection of oncogenes].

Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) were transfected with some cloned oncogenes. The direct microinjection of either early region (E1) genes of monkey (SA7) and human (Ad5) adenoviruses or Ha-ras oncogen in conjunction with the Ad5 Ela-gene into embryonic HCEC nuclei was shown to result in immortalization of these cells. 3 independent immortalized HCEC lines were established in their growth and morphological properties were studied. These properties were very similar to those of primary HCEC, but unlike primary HCEC the immortalized cells didn't need the endothelial cell growth factor.