A simple method for premature chromosome condensation induction in primary human and rodent cells using polyethylene glycol.

Even though polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to be a potent fusogen, it has not been widely exploited as an alternative to the Sendai virus for premature chromosome condensation (PCC) induction. A simple, rapid, and reproducible PEG protocol for primary cells in suspension is presented which allows satisfactory cell fusion and PCC indices, giving at the same time high cell viability and low giant, multinucleated cell formation. Technical details for PEG-mediated fusion and premature chromosome condensation induction in human and rat lymphocytes, rodent spleen cells, and spleen and whole body cells of newborn mice are provided. Further applications of the method are suggested.