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Biochemical characterization of the amphotropic group of murine leukemia viruses
Abstract:
The recently described amphotropic group of murine leukemia viruses constitutes a distinct biological group, differing from the ecotropic and xenotropic groups in host range, cross interference, and serological reactivity. Viruses of this group have been detected only in wild mice from certain areas in California. By using a [3H]DNA probe synthesized in an endogenous reaction from detergent-lysed amphotropic virus (strain 1504-A), it was demonstrated that the amphotropic murine leukemia viruses are distinct biochemically, in that 20% of the viral genome sequences are not shared by AKR-type ecotropic or nay of three types of xenotropic murine leukemia virus tested. A subset of these amphotropic unique sequences, comprising one half of them, is present in the genome of wild mouse ecotropic viruses and in Moloney and Rauscher viruses as well. Sequences homologous to the entire genome of 1504-A amphotropic virus are present in the cellular DNA of all eight inbred mouse strains tested, as well as in wild Mus in Asia, in amounts varying from three to six complete viral genomes per haploid cell genome. Evidence is presented that at least 20% of the DNA sequences in both mouse- and mink-grown murine leukemia virus probes are of host-cell origin.
Insights
Amphotropic murine leukemia viruses are a distinct group, biochemically unique from ecotropic and xenotropic types. These viruses, found in wild mice, share some genetic sequences with other murine leukemia viruses and are present in various mouse strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Amphotropic murine leukemia viruses represent a newly identified biological group.
- This group differs from ecotropic and xenotropic murine leukemia viruses in host range, cross-interference patterns, and serological reactions.
- Amphotropic viruses have been primarily detected in wild mice from specific regions of California.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biochemically characterize amphotropic murine leukemia viruses.
- To determine the genomic sequence relatedness between amphotropic, ecotropic, and xenotropic murine leukemia viruses.
- To investigate the presence and distribution of amphotropic virus sequences in various mouse genomes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a [3H]DNA probe from detergent-lysed amphotropic virus (strain 1504-A) using an endogenous reaction.
- Hybridization studies using the [3H]DNA probe to compare viral genome sequences.
- Analysis of viral sequence homology in cellular DNA from inbred mouse strains and wild Asian Mus.
Main Results:
- Amphotropic murine leukemia viruses possess approximately 20% unique genome sequences not shared with AKR-type ecotropic or tested xenotropic murine leukemia viruses.
- Half of these unique amphotropic sequences are also found in wild mouse ecotropic viruses and in Moloney and Rauscher viruses.
- Sequences homologous to the entire amphotropic virus genome are present in all eight tested inbred mouse strains and wild Asian Mus, with 3-6 copies per haploid cell genome.
- At least 20% of DNA sequences in both mouse- and mink-grown murine leukemia virus probes originate from the host cell.
Conclusions:
- Amphotropic murine leukemia viruses are biochemically distinct due to unique genomic sequences.
- These viruses share genetic elements with other murine leukemia viruses, suggesting potential evolutionary relationships.
- The widespread presence of amphotropic virus sequences in mouse genomes indicates a significant endogenous component or ancient infection.