Experimental approach. HeLa cells were transfected with either pT/RSV-eYFP.CMV-SB, pT/EF1α-eGFP.CMV-SB, pT/dmEF1α-dmGFP.CMV-SB, pRSV-eYFP.CMV-SB (-IR control), or pT/RSV-eYFP (-SB control) and grown under normal conditions. After 48 to 72 h, eYFP-positive (or eGFP- or dmGFP-positive) cells were single-cell sorted (via FACS) into individual wells of 96-well plates and grown until colony formation. Colonies were picked and diluted into six-well plates and then established cell lines were maintained long term in 6-cm culture dishes. After >50 cell divisions, cell lines were characterized.