[Modified env gene in Friend spleen focus forming virus--structure, origin, and its role in leukemogenesis]

Modified env gene or gp55 gene in Spleen Focus Forming Virus, polycythemic strain, K-1 was molecularly cloned and its structure was characterized gp55 is a fusion glycoprotein consisting of N terminal 2/3 of xenotropic virus-related gp70 and C terminal half of F-MuLV p15E. A unique structure at the 3' and of the gp55 gene with 6 base pairs + 1 base pairs insert was identified. Gp55 may be hooked by the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane of the SFFV-intected cells, and additional glycosylation on the cell surface may modify the growth regulation of the cells. Possible origin of SFFV-specific gp55 gene was discussed.