Changes in the rate of laminin and entactin synthesis in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells treated with retinoic acid and cyclic amp.

The synthesis of laminin A and B chains, and of entactin, has been measured in murine F9 embryonal carcinoma cells differentiating in response to retinoic acid and cyclic AMP. Undifferentiated cells synthesis low levels of laminin, amounting to approximately 0.02% of the [35S]methionine incorporated into cytoplasmic protein during a 15-min pulse. After 6 days induction, laminin synthesis has increased 15- to 20-fold. Undifferentiated F9 cells synthesise more intracellular laminin B2 chains (Mr 225,000) than B1 chains (Mr 225,000), but the excess B2 chains are apparently not assembled into the secreted laminin molecule. Indirect immunofluorescence shows faint cytoplasmic staining and short fibrils of laminin between the undifferentiated F9 cells.