Expression of differentiated functions in hepatoma cell hybrids: induction of mouse albumin production in rat hepatoma-mouse fibroblast hybrids.

The synthesis of serum albumin has been studied in hybrids between well-differentiated rat hepatoma cells, which synthesize serum albumin, and mouse fibroblasts (3T3) that do not synthesize albumin. By immunodiffusion techniques with noncrossreacting antisera, the production of both rat and mouse albumin by the hybrids has been examined. Karyologically identified hybrids were produced between 3T3 cells and cells of a 1s hepatoma (Fu5) clone, and of a 2s hepatoma (2s Fu5-5cl.lE) clone. Each of the 3T3 x Fu5 hybrids produces only rat albumin. Among five 3T3 x 2s Fu5-5cl.lE hybrid clones isolated, one produces both rat and mouse albumin, two produce only mouse albumin, and two do not produce rat or mouse albumin.