Somatic Cell Fusion

In cell cultures, it is possible to produce hybrids of various cell types.

Cells can be fused in vitro, producing either binucleate heterokaryon (two nuclei remaining separate within the fused cells) or uninucleate hybrid cells.

These hybrid cells are employed to study the control of gene expression and differentiation, malignant cell growth, viral replication, gene mapping, production of antibodies, etc.

Hybrid cells were obtained for the first time in 1960s in France, from mixed cultures of two different cell lines.

Fusion of individual cells can be induced by Sendai virus, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and also by certain other chemicals. Removal of surface antibodies can sometimes induce cell fusion.