Differential gene expression in wild-type and X-ray-sensitive mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cell lines

Complementary DNA cloning, differential screening and Northern hybridization techniques were used to study differential gene expression in wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K1 cell line and its two X-ray sensitive mutants, xrs-5 and xrs-6. Eleven species of mRNAs were found under-expressed in two independently isolated mutants. The steady-state levels of those mRNAs are 3-26-fold less in the 2 mutants, depending on the particular species. Of underexpressed mRNAs, 6 have been identified by comparing sequences of cloned cDNAs to the known sequences in GenBank 4 of them code for the structural proteins of ferritin heavy chain, non- muscle myosin light chain 3nm, ribosomal protein S17 and L7, resp. The other 2 have strong homology with mouse B2 or retroviral sequences. The remaining 5 mRNAs did not show significant homology with any of the known sequences and apparently represent newly isolated species. Effects of 137Cs γ-rays on the expression of the 11 mRNAs has been studied. Radiation inhibited expression of the B2-like gene in mutants but not in the wild type CHO cells. Levels of the other 10 mRNAs were not affected by radiation. The underexpression of this group of genes in both xrs-5 and xrs-6 mutants seems to be related to their radiation- sensitive phenotype, although the specific gene responsible has not been identified. Two models are proposed to explain the mechanism of under- expression. It is suggested that a cellular factor or/and chromosome structural changes are involved. (author). 33 refs.; 4 figs.; 1 tab