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Cellular ras gene activity is required for full neoplastic transformation by polyomavirus
L Raptis1, R Marcellus, M J Corbley
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Virology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Ras gene activity is crucial for polyomavirus-induced cellular transformation. Downregulating ras partially suppressed transformation, reducing proliferation and colony formation, but not initial viral antigen production.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polyomavirus causes cellular transformation.
- Ras genes play a role in cell signaling and transformation.
- The specific role of ras gene activity in polyomavirus transformation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ras gene activity in polyomavirus-induced cellular transformation.
- To determine how ras deficiency affects key transformation phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Murine C3H10T1/2 cells were rendered ras deficient using antisense ras gene constructs.
- Assessed viral middle T antigen production and its association with pp60c-src.
- Measured protein kinase C activity, morphological transformation, proliferation, focus formation, and soft agar colony formation.
Main Results:
- Ras deficiency partially suppressed the polyomavirus-induced transformed phenotype.
- Viral middle T antigen production, pp60c-src association, and morphological changes were unaffected.
- Stimulated proliferation, focus formation, and soft agar colony formation were significantly reduced in ras-deficient cells.
Conclusions:
- Ras gene activity is essential for the full cellular transformation induced by polyomavirus.
- While not affecting initial viral protein interactions or morphology, ras is critical for downstream transformation effects like proliferation and anchorage-independent growth.