Immortalization of primary cells.

The aim of this projekt is the transfer of the large T oncogen of the Simiam Virus 40 in human primary cells in order to derive immortalized cell lines. We will use human endothelial cells as a model of a highly differentiated cell type. Immortalized clones will be isolated and characterized, especially the expression of differentiated functions. Beside SV40 large T other oncogens will be tested for immortalizing properties. A reproducible method for immortalization of human cell lines could be applied to many cell types of scientific and technological interest.