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Decrease in the levels of nuclear RNA precursors for alpha 2 collagen in Rous sarcoma virus transformed fibroblasts
Abstract:
We have examined the levels of type I alpha 2 collagen RNA precursors, containing both intron and exon sequences in nuclear RNA preparations of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and of CEF transformed by the Schmidt-Rupin strain of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). We have used two different fragments of chick alpha 2 collagen genomic DNA as hybridization probes in S1 mapping experiments. Each of these DNA probes contains an entire intron. Our results indicate that the levels of the primary transcript of alpha 2 collagen RNA are much lower in RSV-CEF than in CEF. They suggest, but do not prove that the effect of the transforming protein p60src on the synthesis of alpha 2 collagen is mediated by a transcriptional control mechanism.
Insights
Researchers found lower levels of alpha 2 collagen RNA precursors in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts (RSV-CEF) compared to normal CEF. This suggests the Rous sarcoma virus protein p60src may control collagen synthesis transcriptionally.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Collagen is a crucial structural protein in vertebrates.
- Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) transformation alters cellular processes.
- The role of viral proteins in regulating host gene expression is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of RSV transformation on alpha 2 collagen RNA precursor levels.
- To determine if transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in RSV-induced changes in collagen synthesis.
Main Methods:
- S1 mapping experiments were performed on nuclear RNA from chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and RSV-transformed CEF (RSV-CEF).
- Two distinct chick alpha 2 collagen genomic DNA fragments, each containing an intron, were used as hybridization probes.
Main Results:
- Levels of type I alpha 2 collagen RNA precursors were significantly lower in RSV-CEF compared to CEF.
- The primary transcript of alpha 2 collagen RNA was reduced in RSV-transformed cells.
Conclusions:
- RSV transformation leads to decreased alpha 2 collagen RNA precursor levels.
- The findings suggest that the transforming protein p60src may regulate alpha 2 collagen synthesis via transcriptional control.