Identification and characterization of WSG, a fusion gene associated with the proliferation of the WI-38 VA13 cells

Abstract

It is well known that human fibroblasts can be immortalized using simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen. However, the mechanisms of the SV40-immortalization processes remain unclear. In the present study, the authors identified and characterized a fusion gene, WSG (WI-38 VA13 Specific Gene), which has an integrated sequence of SV40 and chromosome 16p13. WSG is only detectable in WI-38 VA13 cells and not in other human cell lines or tissues. Transient transfection of the constructed pEGFP-WSG certified the WSG localization at the nuclear of HeLa cells. The growth assays and the knockdown experiment indicate that WSG is involved in the WI-38 VA13 cell proliferation. These results support potential capacities of WSG to be a candidate gene involved in proliferation of the WI-38 VA13 cells.