Synchronization of MEL cell commitment with cordycepin

The response of differentiating MEL cells to the nucleotide analogue cordycepin reveals a previously unrecognized aspect of the molecular events which cause commitment of these cells to terminal erythroid differentiation. Cordycepin rapidly inhibits commitment of DMSO-treated MEL cells in a dose range which does not cause cytotoxicity. Reversal of cordycepin treatment in the presence of inducer leads to a rapid and synchronous commitment of a significant proportion of cells in the culture. These results suggest that MEL cells can be blocked just prior to the point of commitment by cordycepin treatment.