Arrest of 3T3 cells in G1 phase in suspension culture

Abstract 3T3 cells do not grow in Methocel suspension culture, while other permanent cell lines do. The viability of 3T3 cells in suspension remains unchanged for at least three days with respect to plating efficiency, vital staining and resumption of normal growth when transferred into monolayer culture. When monolayer 3T3 cells in G1 phase are suspended they remain in G1 phase. Cells already in S phase which are suspended complete ongoing DNA synthesis and mitosis and then are arrested in the G1 phase. Progress through the cell cycle is reinitiated after suspended cells attach to a surface. When monolayer cells in late G1 phase (just before entering S phase) are put in suspension cultures they do not initiate DNA synthesis.