title: Control of expression of histocompatibility antigens (H-2) and beta 2-microglobulin in F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells.
abstract: Murine teratocarcinoma stem cells, unlike most other cell types, do not express major histocompatibility antigens. The steady-state levels of beta 2-microglobulin and H-2 mRNA from F9-derived teratocarcinoma stem and differentiated cells were examined by blot hybridization using cloned DNA probes specific for these mRNAs. No H-2- or beta 2-microglobulin-specific RNA was detected in F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells (clone 12-1); thus, F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells (clone 12-1) contain no more than 1/10 the H-2 and beta 2-microglobulin mRNAs of the differentiated daughter cells (clone 12-1a). We suggest that this regulation of major histocompatibility antigen expression is due to transcriptional control of the major histocompatibility antigen genes, H-2 and beta 2-microglobulin. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is accompanied by a change in their DNase I sensitivity. Normally, transcriptionally inactive genes are DNase I resistant, while active genes are DNase I sensitive. In contrast, the silent major histocompatibility antigen genes of teratocarcinoma stem cells are more DNase I sensitive than the active genes of the differentiated cells.
mesh_terms: D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000235:genetics*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D013724:Teratoma / Q000235:genetics; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D002843:Chromatin; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases