Comparison of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in normal and Rous sarcoma virus transformed chick embryo fibroblasts

cAMP-dependent protein kinase was compared in normal and Rous Sarcoma Virus transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts. Total cAMP binding activity and cAMP-dependent histone kinase activity were unaltered by RSV transformation. The apparent Km for activation of histone kinase activity by cAMP was 35 nM in both normal and transformed cells. Using 8-N3-cAMP photoaffinity labeling, normal and transformed cells were also found to contain equal quantities of a single 42,000 Mr regulatory sub-unit isoenzyme of A-kinase. This isoenzyme corresponded to the lower molecular weight isoenzyme of the two enzymes found in normal chicken skeletal muscle. Both avian isoenzymes were about 4,000 Mr smaller than the corresponding bovine type I and type II regulatory subunits. Rous Sarcoma Virus transformation does not directly alter the amount or activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.