Related Experiment Videos
An unusual transmissible agent--MaTu
1Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Czechoslovakia.
Abstract:
MaTu is an agent, believed to be derived from a human mammary carcinoma, which displayed several extraordinary properties. These were: RIP and PAGE revealed in MaTu-infected cells only a single protein band of Mr 58 k, the gp 58. This gp 58 was immunoprecipitated by antibodies present in some human sera as well as in some sera of rabbits, sheep, and cattle. MaTu had an extremely restricted host range: it was transmissible only to HeLa cells, but not to human embryo fibroblasts, to three human tumour cell lines (T 47 D, T 24, and HMB 2) or to monkey Vero and rabbit SIRC cells. A retrovirus with a broad host range, used as a helper (X-MLV) enabled the transmission of MaTu to human fibroblasts, but not to Vero or SIRC, which are also permissive for X-MLV. These observations, together with our previous reports, support the view that MaTu might either be a novel type of defective virus, or even a non-viral autonomous genetic element.
Insights
MaTu, a mammary carcinoma agent, exhibits unique properties including a specific 58 kDa protein (gp 58). Its limited host range suggests it could be a novel defective virus or an autonomous genetic element.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- MaTu is an agent derived from human mammary carcinoma with unusual characteristics.
- Previous studies have highlighted its unique biological and molecular properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and biological properties of the MaTu agent.
- To determine the nature of MaTu, exploring its potential as a novel viral entity or genetic element.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) to identify viral proteins.
- Immunoprecipitation assays using antibodies from various species.
- Host range studies involving transmission to different cell lines, with and without helper virus (X-MLV).
Main Results:
- RIP and PAGE identified a single protein band of Mr 58,000 (gp 58) in MaTu-infected cells.
- gp 58 was immunoprecipitated by human and animal sera antibodies.
- MaTu demonstrated a restricted host range, primarily infecting HeLa cells.
- A helper virus (X-MLV) enabled transmission to human fibroblasts but not to Vero or SIRC cells.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest MaTu may represent a novel type of defective virus.
- Alternatively, MaTu could be a non-viral, autonomous genetic element.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise nature of the MaTu agent.