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Expression of v-src and chicken c-src in rat cells demonstrates qualitative differences between pp60v-src and
Cell
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Elevated levels of the cellular src protein (pp60c-src) do not cause cancer. However, the viral src protein (pp60v-src) can induce neoplastic growth, highlighting differences between these related oncogenes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncogenesis
Background:
- The retroviral oncogene v-src originates from the cellular gene c-src.
- The structural similarity suggests c-src might also possess oncogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oncogenic potential of the cellular src gene (c-src).
- To compare the transforming capabilities of pp60c-src and pp60v-src.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a chimeric plasmid for chicken c-src expression.
- Transfection of rat-2 cells with the chimeric DNA to create a cell line with elevated pp60c-src.
- Comparison of cellular and viral src protein expression levels and cellular phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Rat cell lines with 10x normal pp60c-src levels remained phenotypically normal, retaining actin cables and showing no soft agar growth.
- pp60c-src was produced at levels exceeding the transformation threshold of pp60v-src.
- Transfection with v-src induced transformation in both normal and elevated pp60c-src cell lines, characterized by rounded morphology, disrupted actin, and soft agar growth.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of pp60c-src alone does not induce cellular transformation.
- The viral oncogene pp60v-src possesses potent transforming activity distinct from its cellular counterpart.
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