Somatic cell hybrids: Applications relevant to genetic disease

Techniques introduced for the genetic analysis of microorganisms are being adapted to the analysis of mammalian cells. Methods for the production of both somatic cell heterokaryons and mononuclear hybrid cells have already been sufficiently developed so that one can appreciate their potential as a probe for the study of the genetic basis of a number of important biological phenomena. The ability to hybridize somatic cells from individuals of diverse genetic qualities not only gets around the limitation imposed by man's long generation time, breeding habits, and small family size but also permits the analysis of genetic differences between species so distantly related that breeding is not possible. Therefore, studies of cell hybrids will contribute significantly to knowledge of gene action in our species, thus providing information essential to the institution of effective treatment for genetic disease.