Mid-G1 Marker Protein(s) in 3T3 Mouse Fibroblast Cells

Quiescent 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells in a state of growth arrest due to serum deprivation were exposed to [14C]isoleucine. The cell cultures were then stimulated by the addition of 10% fetal calf serum. At various times after stimulation, the 14C-labeled cells were exposed to [3H]isoleucine. Cytoplasmic extracts from the double-labeled cells were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate/slab gel electrophoresis. By these procedures it was found that the relative rate of synthesis of a protein species of Mr 50,000 increased after stimulation of quiescent cells, reached a maximum at 5 hr, and then decreased before the 3T3 cells began to enter the S phase. The characteristic peaking profile of mid-G1 protein synthesis exhibited by the Mr 50,000 polypeptide can serve as a useful marker for the progression of events in G1 prior to exit into S.