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[Identification and the origin of oncogenes, with special reference to sarcoma virus Y73]
Abstract:
A new sarcomagenic transforming gene, yes, was identified in an avian sarcoma virus Y73. The gene product is a gag-fused polyprotein p90yes and have protein kinase activity phosphorylating tyrosine residues in proteins. Vertebrates from fish to human were shown to contain DNA sequence (c-yes) homologous with viral yes. Total nucleotide sequence of Y73 genome was determined and the predicted amino acid sequence of p90yes was found to be highly homologous with p60src, a gene product of src in Rous sarcoma virus. These findings suggest that transforming gene yes and src are diverged from a common prototype onc gene at very early stage of vertebrate development or before that and conserved during the development since it plays an essential role.
Insights
A novel oncogene, yes, was discovered in avian sarcoma virus Y73. Its product, p90yes, shares homology with p60src, suggesting an ancient origin for these critical cancer-related genes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncogenesis
- Virology
Context:
- Identification of novel oncogenes is crucial for understanding cancer development.
- Avian sarcoma viruses have been instrumental in discovering key cancer-related genes.
- The Y73 avian sarcoma virus harbors a unique transforming gene.
Purpose:
- To identify and characterize the transforming gene in avian sarcoma virus Y73.
- To determine the relationship between the Y73 transforming gene and known oncogenes.
- To investigate the evolutionary origins of proto-oncogenes.
Summary:
- A new sarcomagenic transforming gene, yes, was identified in avian sarcoma virus Y73.
- The gene product, p90yes, exhibits protein kinase activity and phosphorylates tyrosine residues.
- Sequence analysis revealed homology between p90yes and p60src, suggesting a common ancestral oncogene conserved throughout vertebrate evolution.
Impact:
- Establishes the 'yes' gene as a significant oncogene.
- Provides insights into the early evolution of proto-oncogenes.
- Suggests that conserved oncogenes play essential roles in vertebrate development.