immortalizing cells

[Richard Vernell]

I am interested in making a cell line from chicken corneal fibroblasts.  I
realize that this is not a trivial undertaking, but i need to make a cell
line that retains much of its normal phenotype (good luck you say?).   I
will characterize the lines with hybridization to an array of cDNAs that are
expressed in the differentiated cells.  

I am looking for some input on what the best way immortalize these
cells might be.  I am leaning toward using vMyc expressed from an avian
specific retrovirus perhaps with selectable marker too?  I am a novice at
this and would like some advice on where to start reading.

Rich Vernell

Graduate student