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Identification of two forms of an endogenous murine retroviral env gene linked to the Rmcf locus
Abstract:
The Rmcf gene restricts the replication of recombinant murine mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) viruses in cell cultures derived from mice carrying the resistance allele (Rmcfr) and may play a role in resistance to retrovirus-induced leukemias in vivo. We have characterized the endogenous gp70 expressed by Rmcfr and Rmcfs mice with a panel of type-specific monoclonal antibodies which discriminate xenotropic and MCF gp70. Embryo and tail skin cultures derived from Rmcfr mice (DBA/2 and CBA/N) expressed gp70 bearing a determinant unique to MCF viruses, whereas cultures from Rmcfs mice expressed either no detectable gp70 (NFS/N and IRW) or a gp70 serologically related to a subgroup of xenotropic viruses (C57BL/6, CBA/J, and A/WySn). Studies of progeny embryos derived from a (C57BL/6 X DBA/2) X C57BL/6 backcross established that the Rmcf resistance allele was linked to the expression of the MCF gp70 and that the gene encoding the xenotropic gp70 expressed by C57BL/6 Rmcfs mice was allelic with the MCF gp70 from Rmcfr mice. These data indicate that the Rmcf locus contains an endogenous gp70 gene having two allelic forms, one of which inhibits exogenous MCF infection in vitro by a mechanism of viral interference.
Insights
The Rmcf gene in mice provides resistance to certain retroviruses by producing a specific gp70 protein. This protein interferes with the replication of mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) viruses, offering protection against leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunogenetics
- Retroviral Research
Background:
- The Rmcf gene influences resistance to retrovirus-induced leukemias.
- Murine mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) viruses are a type of retrovirus.
- Endogenous gp70 expression varies among mouse strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the endogenous gp70 expressed by Rmcfr and Rmcfs mice.
- To investigate the role of the Rmcf gene in viral resistance.
- To determine the genetic linkage of the Rmcf resistance allele and gp70 expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized type-specific monoclonal antibodies to discriminate xenotropic and MCF gp70.
- Analyzed gp70 expression in embryo and tail skin cultures from Rmcfr and Rmcfs mice.
- Conducted genetic backcross studies using progeny embryos.
Main Results:
- Rmcfr mice cultures expressed MCF virus-specific gp70.
- Rmcfs mice cultures showed no detectable gp70 or xenotropic-related gp70.
- The Rmcf resistance allele was genetically linked to MCF gp70 expression.
- The gene for xenotropic gp70 was allelic to the MCF gp70.
Conclusions:
- The Rmcf locus encodes an endogenous gp70 with two allelic forms.
- One allelic form of gp70 inhibits exogenous MCF virus infection via viral interference.
- The Rmcf gene plays a significant role in innate resistance to retroviral infections in mice.