Related Experiment Videos
Proto-oncogene fos: an inducible gene
I M Verma1, R L Mitchell, P Sassone-Corsi
1Salk Institute, San Diego, California 92138.
Princess Takamatsu Symposia
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Proto-oncogene fos (c-fos) is crucial for cell growth and differentiation. Its viral counterpart, v-fos, transforms cells, but c-fos requires specific sequence removal for similar transformation, highlighting complex gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncogenes
- Cellular Regulation
Background:
- Proto-oncogene fos (c-fos) plays a role in cell growth, differentiation, and development.
- The viral homologue, v-fos, is the transforming gene in FBJ-murine osteosarcoma virus, inducing bone tumors.
- Viral and cellular fos proteins share nuclear localization and in vitro fibroblast transformation capabilities despite C-terminal differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional differences and regulatory mechanisms of the c-fos proto-oncogene and its viral counterpart, v-fos.
- To identify the specific sequence requirements for c-fos mediated fibroblast transformation.
- To elucidate the transcriptional regulation of the c-fos gene, including enhancer elements and factors influencing transcript stability.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of viral (v-fos) and cellular (c-fos) protein structures and functions.
- In vitro fibroblast transformation assays.
- Gene mapping to identify transcriptional enhancer and regulatory elements within the c-fos gene and its non-coding regions.
Main Results:
- Both c-fos and v-fos proteins are nuclear and can transform fibroblasts.
- Transformation by c-fos necessitates the deletion of a 67 base pair sequence from the 3' non-coding domain.
- The fos gene is highly inducible by growth factors and differentiation inducers, with mapped transcriptional elements and regulatory factors.
Conclusions:
- The c-fos proto-oncogene exhibits complex regulation, with specific sequence elements influencing its transforming activity and transcript stability.
- Understanding fos gene regulation is critical for comprehending cell growth, differentiation, and oncogenesis.
- Further research into the cellular factors regulating c-fos transcription can provide insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic targets.