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Association of v-myc protein with chromatin
1Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie, Universität Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Abstract:
The subnuclear distribution of proteins encoded by v-myb and v-myc was analysed in a cell-line of AMV-transformed chicken myeloblasts superinfected by the myc-containing retrovirus MC29. p45v-myb and p110gag-myc, co-expressed in these cells, were released in similar fashion when nuclei were treated with salt or DNAase. Analysis of nucleoprotein complexes extracted from nuclease-treated nuclei shows that p45v-myb and p110gag-myc are associated with a chromatin fraction of enhanced nuclease sensitivity. v-myb and v-myc proteins thus share the same subnuclear location and apparently interact directly with the cellular DNA.
Insights
Researchers studied the location of v-myb and v-myc proteins in chicken myeloblasts. Both viral oncoproteins associate with DNA in a similarly nuclease-sensitive chromatin fraction, suggesting direct DNA interaction.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) transforms chicken myeloblasts.
- Retrovirus MC29 encodes the myc oncogene.
- Understanding viral oncoprotein subnuclear localization is crucial for oncogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the subnuclear distribution of v-myb and v-myc proteins.
- To investigate the association of these proteins with chromatin.
- To explore potential interactions between v-myb, v-myc, and cellular DNA.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein distribution in AMV-transformed chicken myeloblasts.
- Superinfection with MC29 retrovirus to co-express v-myb and v-myc.
- Fractionation of nuclei using salt and DNase treatments.
- Examination of nucleoprotein complexes via nuclease sensitivity.
Main Results:
- p45v-myb and p110gag-myc were co-expressed in the same cells.
- Both proteins were released similarly upon nuclear salt or DNase treatment.
- v-myb and v-myc proteins were found in a chromatin fraction with increased nuclease sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- v-myb and v-myc proteins share a common subnuclear location.
- These viral oncoproteins appear to directly interact with cellular DNA.
- The findings provide insight into the mechanism of oncogenesis by these retroviruses.