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Transforming genes and gene products of polyoma and SV40
Abstract:
The small DNA-containing viruses, SV40 and polyoma, transform cells in vitro and induce tumors in vivo. For both viruses two genes required for transformation have been found. The genes required for transformation are also involved in productive infection. Although the two viruses are similar in their effects on cells, the organization of the transforming genes and gene products is different. The purpose of this review is to compare what is known about the biology and the biochemistry of the early regions of the two viruses. The genetic and biochemical studies defining the sequences important for transformation will be reviewed. Then, the products of the transforming genes, called T antigens, will be discussed in detail. There is a substantial body of descriptive information on those products, and studies on the function of the T antigens have also begun.
Insights
Simian virus 40 (SV40) and polyoma virus transform cells and cause tumors. This review compares their transforming genes and T-antigen products, highlighting differences in gene organization despite similar cellular effects.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) and polyoma virus are small DNA viruses known to transform cells in vitro and induce tumors in vivo.
- Both viruses possess genes essential for cellular transformation, which are also implicated in productive viral infection.
- Despite similar biological outcomes, the genetic organization and protein products of these transforming genes differ between SV40 and polyoma virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comparative review of the biology and biochemistry of the early gene regions of SV40 and polyoma virus.
- To examine genetic and biochemical studies that define sequences critical for viral transformation.
- To detail the T-antigen products of the transforming genes, including current knowledge of their function.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing genetic studies defining transformation-related sequences.
- Review of biochemical analyses of viral gene products.
- Comparative analysis of early viral gene organization and function.
Main Results:
- Identification of two key genes required for transformation in both SV40 and polyoma virus.
- Demonstration that these transforming genes are also involved in productive infection.
- Highlighting distinct organizational strategies for transforming genes and their T-antigen products between the two viruses.
Conclusions:
- SV40 and polyoma virus exhibit conserved roles for their early genes in transformation and infection but differ in genetic architecture.
- T-antigens are the key protein products of these early genes, with ongoing research into their specific functions.
- Comparative analysis deepens understanding of viral oncogenesis and gene regulation.