The effect of exogenous RNA extract on chick embryo fibroblasts in vitro
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile the conflicting claims of those who have treated different cells and tissues with exogenous RNA. Some authors (e.g. Niu, Cordova & Niu, 1961; Niu, Cordova & Radbill, 1962) maintain that RNA extracts alter the course of cell differentiation to conform in morphological terms to the source of the RNA; in the same vein, Amos, Askonas & Soeiro (1964) have shown that, under certain conditions, RNA from mouse and bacterial cells can stimulate chick embryo fibroblasts to synthesize protein related antigenically to the origin of the RNA. Shepley, Ambrose & Kirby (1965), however, obtained stimulation of growth with permanent morphological changes in baby hamster kidney fibroblasts by the addition of RNA from a variety of sources.