Related Experiment Videos
Bovine leukemia virus post-envelope gene coded protein: evidence for expression in natural infection
Abstract:
Partial sequence analysis of a 14 kilodalton protein (p14), synthesized by in vitro translation of bovine leukemia virus genomic RNA, showed that it is encoded in the 'X' region of proviral DNA, located between the env gene and the 3' long terminal repeat. The 'X' gene contains a short and a long open reading frame (X-SORF and X-LORF) which overlap. BLV p14x is specified by X-SORF and not X-LORF as seen with the related human T-cell leukemia virus which expresses p38-40x. Antibodies in sera from animals with BLV induced tumors were shown to recognize p14x. Expression of this protein in natural infection might be important for virus replication and/or for BLV induced oncogenesis.
Insights
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) expresses a 14 kilodalton protein (p14x) from its
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus implicated in enzootic bovine leukosis.
- The BLV genome contains regulatory and accessory genes, including the 'X' region, whose functions are not fully elucidated.
- Understanding viral protein expression is crucial for deciphering viral replication and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the genetic origin and characteristics of a 14 kilodalton protein (p14x) in BLV.
- To investigate the role of p14x in BLV infection and oncogenesis.
- To compare BLV p14x expression with related human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) proteins.
Main Methods:
- In vitro translation of BLV genomic RNA to synthesize p14.
- Partial sequence analysis to determine the protein's genetic encoding.
- Antibody-based assays using sera from BLV-infected animals to detect p14x.
Main Results:
- BLV p14x is encoded by the short open reading frame (X-SORF) within the 'X' region of the proviral DNA.
- This contrasts with HTLV, where a related protein is encoded by the long open reading frame (X-LORF).
- Antibodies from BLV-tumor-bearing animals recognize p14x, indicating its expression during natural infection.
Conclusions:
- BLV p14x is a distinct viral protein originating from the X-SORF.
- The recognition of p14x by host antibodies suggests its involvement in the immune response.
- p14x expression may play a significant role in BLV replication and the development of bovine tumors.