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The expression of virus-specific nucleotide sequences in Rous sarcoma cells
Neoplasma
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Virus-specific messenger RNAs (v-mRNA) were identified in chicken and hamster Rous sarcoma cells. Gene expression differs between permissive and non-permissive tumors, indicating restricted oncovirus activity in non-permissive cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Rous sarcoma virus causes tumors in chickens and hamsters.
- Understanding virus-specific messenger RNA (v-mRNA) is crucial for studying oncovirus gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare v-mRNA populations in permissive (chicken) and non-permissive (hamster) Rous sarcoma cells.
- To investigate the differences in v-mRNA transcription, processing, and cytoplasmic transfer between tumor types.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of poly(A)-enriched v-mRNAs from subcellular fractions (nuclei, mitochondria, polyribosomes, cytosol).
- Sedimentation analysis to determine the molecular classes and sizes of v-mRNAs.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct qualitative and quantitative v-mRNA populations in permissive and non-permissive tumors.
- Chicken cells showed three v-mRNA classes (35S, 28S/26-28S, 22S/20S) in nuclei and cytoplasm.
- Hamster cells exhibited two nuclear classes (33S, 20S) but only one cytoplasmic class (24S).
Conclusions:
- Oncovirus gene expression is restricted in non-permissive hamster tumors compared to permissive chicken tumors.
- Differences observed in transcription, processing, and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic transfer of v-mRNAs.
- Discusses peculiarities of virus gene function in avian and mammalian tumors.