Neurotransmitter Synthesis by Neuroblastoma Clones

Neuroblastoma clones were examined for choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6), tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.3.a), acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7), and also for neurite formation. One clone does not form axons or dendrites. Three types of clones were found with respect to neurotransmitter synthesis: cholinergic, adrenergic, and clones that do not synthesize acetylcholine or catechols. All clones contain acetylcholinesterase. These results show that genes determining neurotransmitter species can be expressed in dividing cells, that the parental programs of gene expression are inherited, and that dividing cells can be programmed with respect to their ability to communicate with other cells.