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Molecular biology of jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7386, USA. mpalmari@vet.uga.edu
Abstract:
Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a contagious lung cancer of sheep. Until recently, research on JSRV/OPA was hampered by the lack of a tissue culture system for the propagation of the virus. Historically, pathological samples (lung fluid) collected from sheep affected by OPA were the only source of infectious JSRV. Thus studies on the JSRV/OPA system were conducted only where field isolates of OPA cases were readily available. In the past 10 years, the deduction of the JSRV sequence (York et al. 1991; York 1992), the isolation of an infectious and oncogenic JSRV molecular clone (JSRV21) (Palmarini et al. 1999a) and the establishment of a rapid method to produce infectious virus in vitro (Palmarini et al. 1999a) sparked many studies at the molecular level that strengthened past observations and revealed new properties of this unique virus. Here, we will review the data accumulated so far on the molecular biology of JSRV using the infectious and oncogenic JSRV21 molecular clone as virus of reference.
Insights
Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) causes ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). New molecular tools, including the JSRV21 clone, now enable detailed studies of this sheep lung cancer, advancing our understanding of JSRV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the etiological agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a transmissible lung cancer in sheep.
- Previous research was limited by the absence of a viable JSRV tissue culture system, restricting studies to available field isolates.
- The lack of in vitro propagation methods hindered detailed molecular investigations into JSRV and OPA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review accumulated data on the molecular biology of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV).
- To highlight the significance of the JSRV21 molecular clone as a reference for studying JSRV.
- To discuss advancements in understanding JSRV/OPA driven by new molecular tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature on JSRV and ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
- Focus on studies utilizing the infectious and oncogenic JSRV21 molecular clone.
- Analysis of advancements in molecular biology techniques applied to JSRV research.
Main Results:
- The sequencing of JSRV and isolation of the JSRV21 molecular clone have been pivotal.
- Establishment of methods for rapid in vitro production of infectious JSRV has enabled extensive molecular studies.
- These advancements have strengthened previous observations and revealed novel properties of JSRV.
Conclusions:
- The development of molecular tools, particularly the JSRV21 clone, has revolutionized JSRV research.
- In vitro studies are now feasible, allowing for deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of JSRV and OPA.
- Continued research using these tools promises further elucidation of this unique retrovirus and its associated cancer.