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A glycoprotein in the plasma membrane matrix as a major potential substrate of p60v-src

M Hamaguchi1, M Matsuda, H Hanafusa

  • 1Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021.

Insights

Researchers identified a 130-kilodalton (kDa) glycoprotein phosphorylated by p60v-src in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells. Its phosphorylation correlates with cell transformation, suggesting a key role in oncogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) transformation involves oncogene products like p60v-src.
  • Identifying cellular substrates of viral oncogenes is crucial for understanding transformation mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a potential substrate of p60v-src involved in cell transformation.
  • To investigate the role of this substrate's phosphorylation in oncogenic transformation.

Main Methods:

  • Affinity purification using lectin-Sepharose.
  • Immunoprecipitation with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies.
  • Analysis of protein phosphorylation in cells transformed by various sarcoma viruses and mutants.

Main Results:

  • A 130-kDa glycoprotein, distinct from the fibronectin receptor, was identified as a p60v-src substrate.
  • This glycoprotein is a transmembrane protein located in the plasma membrane.
  • Phosphorylation of the 130-kDa glycoprotein was observed in cells transformed by RSV, Fujinami sarcoma virus, and Y73, but not by RSV mutants lacking N-terminal myristoylation.
  • Phosphorylation levels were temperature-dependent in cells infected with temperature-sensitive RSV mutants.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphorylation of the 130-kDa glycoprotein is strongly correlated with morphological cell transformation induced by p60v-src.
  • This glycoprotein is likely a primary target and plays a significant role in p60v-src-mediated cell transformation.

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