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The search for "virogene" in human prostatic tissues: prostatic DNA polymerases
Cancer Chemotherapy Reports
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Researchers investigated human prostatic tissues for evidence of RNA tumor viruses. They isolated and characterized DNA polymerase activities, finding none matched the reverse transcriptase type, suggesting a lack of viral involvement in these specific samples.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The virogene-oncogene and provirus hypotheses link RNA tumor viruses to neoplastic transformation.
- Previous studies in animal systems suggest viral involvement in cancer.
- Conclusive evidence requires coordinated investigations beyond detecting single viral markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of RNA tumor virus-related activities in human prostatic tissues.
- To develop a comprehensive scheme for detecting viral involvement in cancer.
- To report progress in biochemical investigations of prostatic tissues.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and partial purification of DNA polymerase activities from human prostatic tissue.
- Chromatography techniques including DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose.
- Characterization of polymerase activities based on template preferences and inhibitor sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Two, possibly three, distinct DNA polymerase activities were isolated.
- Partial purification and characterization of these activities were performed.
- Major polymerase activities did not exhibit characteristics of reverse transcriptase.
Conclusions:
- The identified DNA polymerase activities in human prostate tissue do not appear to be of the reverse transcriptase type.
- This finding suggests a potential lack of direct RNA tumor virus involvement in the studied prostatic tissues.
- Further coordinated investigations are necessary to fully understand viral roles in human cancers.