Human leukemia CEM C-1 cells possess a high affinity binding site for farnesol.

Binding of 15-carbon isoprenoid farnesol in human acute leukemia CEM C-1 cells has been studied by addition of radio-labeled isoprenoid to cell growth medium. Significant time-dependent accumulation of the cell-associated radioactivity was detected at 37 degrees C. When experiments were carried out at 4 degrees C, about 10 times decrease in cell labeling was observed.