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A Bcl-2-related gene is activated in avian cells transformed by the Rous sarcoma virus
G Gillet1, M Guerin, A Trembleau
1Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 49 CNRS, LA-INRA, ENS Lyon, France.
Abstract:
The oncoprotein p60v-src encoded by the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) genome is the prototype of non-receptor tyrosine kinases. More than 50 targets of p60v-src have been described to date. However, the precise mechanisms of RSV transformation remain to be elucidated. Here, we present the study of a new v-src-activated gene, NR-13, which encodes a protein identified as a new member of the Bcl-2 family. This protein is localized in the membrane with a pattern already observed with Bcl-2. In quail embryos, this gene is mainly expressed in neural and muscular tissues. Its expression is dramatically down-regulated after embryonic day 7 (E7) in the optic tectum. To evaluate a possible role for NR-13 in the control of apoptotic processes in this particular brain area, in situ hybridization and DNA ladder fractionation studies were performed to correlate NR-13 expression with typical situations of apoptosis during brain development. Our results support the idea that RSV could activate anti-apoptotic functions of the host cell resulting in an increase of their lifespan, which could be particularly relevant to tumour formation.
Insights
Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) activates the NR-13 gene, a Bcl-2 family member, suppressing apoptosis. This increased cell lifespan may contribute to tumor formation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- The oncoprotein p60v-src from Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) is a key non-receptor tyrosine kinase.
- While over 50 targets of p60v-src are known, RSV's transformation mechanisms require further elucidation.
- NR-13 is a newly identified v-src-activated gene encoding a Bcl-2 family protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the NR-13 gene in apoptosis control within quail embryonic optic tectum.
- To understand the relationship between NR-13 expression and apoptotic processes during brain development.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to analyze NR-13 gene expression patterns.
- DNA ladder fractionation to assess apoptosis.
- Correlation of NR-13 expression with developmental apoptosis in the optic tectum.
Main Results:
- NR-13, a Bcl-2 family member, is expressed in neural and muscular tissues of quail embryos.
- NR-13 expression is significantly downregulated in the optic tectum after embryonic day 7.
- RSV activation of NR-13 correlates with suppressed apoptotic processes.
Conclusions:
- RSV may promote tumor formation by activating anti-apoptotic functions via NR-13, extending host cell lifespan.
- NR-13 plays a role in regulating apoptosis during neural development.
- Understanding NR-13's function provides insights into viral oncogenesis and developmental processes.