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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Analysis of v-mos encoded proteins in cells transformed by several related murine sarcoma viruses
Abstract:
We have used antisera against synthetic peptides to identify and characterize a 37,000 dalton v-mos encoded protein (p37mos) in cells transformed by M-MuSV 124. p37mos, a phosphoprotein, comprises only about 0.0005% of total cellular protein in cell lines transformed by M-MuSV 124. NIH 3T3 cells acutely infected with M-MuSV 124, however, contain 30-100-fold more p37mos. These elevated levels of p37mos correlate with striking morphological changes and cell death in the acutely infected cell population. Using the antipeptide antisera, we have extended the analysis of v-mos proteins to include several other MuSV variants that contain a similar v-mos gene to M-MuSV 124. With the exception of P85, the gag-mos fusion protein from ts110 MuSV, the v-mos gene of these variants is expressed as a 35,000-37,000 dalton protein (size depending on the particular virus).
Insights
Researchers identified and characterized the v-mos encoded protein, p37mos, in M-MuSV 124 transformed cells. Elevated p37mos levels in acutely infected cells correlate with significant cell morphology changes and death.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Murine sarcoma virus (MuSV) variants encode a v-mos gene.
- The v-mos gene product's role in cellular transformation and pathology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the v-mos encoded protein (p37mos) in M-MuSV 124 transformed cells.
- To investigate the expression levels and cellular effects of p37mos.
Main Methods:
- Utilized antisera against synthetic peptides for protein identification and characterization.
- Analyzed protein expression in M-MuSV 124 transformed cell lines and acutely infected NIH 3T3 cells.
- Extended analysis to other MuSV variants with similar v-mos genes.
Main Results:
- Identified and characterized a 37,000 dalton v-mos encoded phosphoprotein, p37mos.
- p37mos constitutes a small fraction of total protein in transformed cell lines but is highly elevated in acutely infected cells.
- Elevated p37mos levels correlate with significant morphological changes and cell death in acutely infected cells.
- Other MuSV variants with similar v-mos genes express 35,000-37,000 dalton v-mos proteins.
Conclusions:
- p37mos is a key viral protein involved in M-MuSV-induced cellular alterations.
- The expression level of p37mos is critical for observing pathogenic effects.
- The v-mos gene product is consistently expressed as a ~37 kDa protein across various MuSV variants.
