scholarly journals Use of transgenic mice reveals cell-specific transformation by a simian virus 40 T-antigen amino-terminal mutant.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3255-3265 ◽  
Author(s):  
H S Symonds ◽  
S A McCarthy ◽  
J Chen ◽  
J M Pipas ◽  
T Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Amino Terminal

We have used the multifunctional transforming protein, simian virus 40 T antigen, as a probe to study the mechanisms of cell growth regulation in the intact organism. T antigen appears to perturb cell growth, at least in part, by stably interacting with specific cellular proteins that function to maintain normal cell growth properties. Experiments in cultured cells indicate that at least three distinct regions of simian virus 40 T antigen have roles in transformation. Two regions correlate with the binding of known cellular proteins, p53, pRB, and p107. A third activity, located near the amino terminus, has been defined genetically but not biochemically. By targeting expression of wild-type and mutant forms of T antigen to distinct cell types in transgenic mice, we have begun to systematically determine which activities play a role in tumorigenesis of each cell type. In this study, we sought to determine the role of the amino-terminal transformation function with such an analysis of the T-antigen mutant dl1135. This protein, which lacks amino acids 17 to 27, retains the p53-, pRB-, and p107-binding activities yet fails to transform cells in culture. To direct expression in transgenic mice, we used the lymphotropic papovavirus transcriptional signals that are specific for B and T lymphocytes and the choroid plexus epithelium of the brain. We show here that although defective in cell culture, dl1135 specifically induced the development of thymic lymphomas in the mouse. Expression of the protein was routinely observed in B- and T-lymphoid cells, although B-cell abnormalities were not observed. Choroid plexus tumors were observed only infrequently; however, dl1135 was not consistently expressed in this tissue. Within a given transgenic line, the penetrance of T-cell tumorigenesis was 100% but appeared to require secondary events, as judged from the clonal nature of the tumors. These experiments suggest that the amino-terminal region of T antigen has a role in the transformation of certain cell types (such as fibroblasts in culture and B lymphocytes) but is dispensable for the transformation of T lymphocytes.

Use of transgenic mice reveals cell-specific transformation by a simian virus 40 T-antigen amino-terminal mutant

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3255-3265
Author(s):  
H S Symonds ◽  
S A McCarthy ◽  
J Chen ◽  
J M Pipas ◽  
T Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Cell Growth ◽  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Amino Terminal

We have used the multifunctional transforming protein, simian virus 40 T antigen, as a probe to study the mechanisms of cell growth regulation in the intact organism. T antigen appears to perturb cell growth, at least in part, by stably interacting with specific cellular proteins that function to maintain normal cell growth properties. Experiments in cultured cells indicate that at least three distinct regions of simian virus 40 T antigen have roles in transformation. Two regions correlate with the binding of known cellular proteins, p53, pRB, and p107. A third activity, located near the amino terminus, has been defined genetically but not biochemically. By targeting expression of wild-type and mutant forms of T antigen to distinct cell types in transgenic mice, we have begun to systematically determine which activities play a role in tumorigenesis of each cell type. In this study, we sought to determine the role of the amino-terminal transformation function with such an analysis of the T-antigen mutant dl1135. This protein, which lacks amino acids 17 to 27, retains the p53-, pRB-, and p107-binding activities yet fails to transform cells in culture. To direct expression in transgenic mice, we used the lymphotropic papovavirus transcriptional signals that are specific for B and T lymphocytes and the choroid plexus epithelium of the brain. We show here that although defective in cell culture, dl1135 specifically induced the development of thymic lymphomas in the mouse. Expression of the protein was routinely observed in B- and T-lymphoid cells, although B-cell abnormalities were not observed. Choroid plexus tumors were observed only infrequently; however, dl1135 was not consistently expressed in this tissue. Within a given transgenic line, the penetrance of T-cell tumorigenesis was 100% but appeared to require secondary events, as judged from the clonal nature of the tumors. These experiments suggest that the amino-terminal region of T antigen has a role in the transformation of certain cell types (such as fibroblasts in culture and B lymphocytes) but is dispensable for the transformation of T lymphocytes.

scholarly journals Induction versus progression of brain tumor development: differential functions for the pRB- and p53-targeting domains of simian virus 40 T antigen.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 2686-2698 ◽  
Author(s):  
M T Sáenz Robles ◽  
H Symonds ◽  
J Chen ◽  
T Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Binding Region ◽  
Amino Terminal

The ability of simian virus 40-encoded large T antigen to disrupt the growth control of a variety of cell types is related to its ability to interfere with certain cellular proteins, such as p53 and the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (pRB). We have used wild-type and mutant forms of T antigen in transgenic mice to dissect the roles of pRB, p53, and other cellular proteins in tumorigenesis of different cell types. In this study, using a cell-specific promoter to target expression specifically to brain epithelium (the choroid plexus) and to B and T lymphoid cells, we characterize the tumorigenic capacity of a T-antigen fragment that comprises only the amino-terminal 121 residues. This fragment (dl1137) retains the ability to interact with pRB and p107 but lacks the p53-binding domain. While loss of the p53-binding region results in loss of the capacity to induce lymphoid abnormalities, dl1137 retains the ability to induce choroid plexus tumors that are histologically indistinguishable from those induced by wild-type T antigen. Tumors induced by dl1137 develop much more slowly, however, reaching an end point at around 8 months of age rather than at 1 to 2 months. Analysis of tumor progression indicates that tumor induction by dl1137 does not require secondary genetic or epigenetic events. Rather, the tumor growth rate is significantly slowed, indicating that the T-antigen C-terminal region contributes to tumor progression in this cell type. In contrast, the pRB-binding region appears essential for tumorigenesis as mutation of residue 107, known to disrupt pRB and p107 binding to wild-type T antigen, abolishes the ability of the dl1137 protein to induce growth abnormalities in the brain.

scholarly journals The retinoblastoma protein-binding region of simian virus 40 large T antigen alters cell cycle regulation in lenses of transgenic mice.

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 6743-6754 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Fromm ◽  
W Shawlot ◽  
K Gunning ◽  
J S Butel ◽  
P A Overbeek
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Retinoblastoma Protein ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Lens Fiber ◽  
Large T Antigen ◽  
Fiber Cells

Regulation of the cell cycle is a critical aspect of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. In many cell types, the differentiation process is accompanied by a loss of proliferative capability, so that terminally differentiated cells become postmitotic and no longer progress through the cell cycle. In the experiments described here, the ocular lens has been used as a system to examine the role of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) family in regulation of the cell cycle during differentiation. The ocular lens is an ideal system for such studies, since it is composed of just two cell types: epithelial cells, which are capable of proliferation, and fiber cells, which are postmitotic. In order to inactivate pRb in viable mice, genes encoding either a truncated version of simian virus 40 large T antigen or the E7 protein of human papillomavirus were expressed in a lens-specific fashion in transgenic mice. Lens fiber cells in the transgenic mice were found to incorporate bromodeoxyuridine, implying inappropriate entry into the cell cycle. Surprisingly, the lens fiber cells did not proliferate as tumor cells but instead underwent programmed cell death, resulting in lens ablation and microphthalmia. Analogous lens alterations did not occur in mice expressing a modified version of the truncated T antigen that was mutated in the binding domain for the pRb family. These experimental results indicate that the retinoblastoma protein family plays a crucial role in blocking cell cycle progression and maintaining terminal differentiation in lens fiber cells. Apoptotic cell death ensues when fiber cells are induced to remain in or reenter the cell cycle.

Uniform cell-autonomous tumorigenesis of the choroid plexus by papovavirus large T antigens

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5968-5976
Author(s):  
J D Chen ◽  
T Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Morphological Transformation ◽  
Large Tumor ◽  
Lymphotropic Papovavirus

The simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (T antigen) under its natural regulatory elements induces choroid plexus papillomas in transgenic mice. Because these tumors develop focally after several months, it has been suggested that secondary cellular alterations are required to induce a tumor in this tissue. In contrast to SV40, the related lymphotropic papovavirus early region induces rapid nonfocal choroid plexus neoplasia in transgenic mice. Here, using hybrid gene constructs, we showed that T antigen from either virus in in fact sufficient to induce these tumors. Their abilities to induce proliferative abnormalities in other tissues, such as kidney and thymus, were also indistinguishable. Differences in the rate of choroid plexus tumorigenesis reflected differences in the control regions of the two viruses, rather than differences in T antigen per se. Under SV40 regulation, expression was limited to a fraction of the choroid plexus cells prior to the formation of focal tumors. When SV40 T antigen was placed under lymphotropic papovavirus control, in contrast, expression was generally uniform in the choroid plexus and rapid expansion of the tissue ensued. We found a direct relationship between T-antigen expression, morphological transformation, and proliferation of the choroid plexus epithelial cells. Analysis of mosaic transgenic mice indicated further that T antigen exerts its mitogenic effect cell autonomously. These studies form the foundation for elucidating the role of various T-antigen subactivities in tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Uniform cell-autonomous tumorigenesis of the choroid plexus by papovavirus large T antigens.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5968-5976 ◽  
Author(s):  
J D Chen ◽  
T Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Morphological Transformation ◽  
Large Tumor ◽  
Lymphotropic Papovavirus

The simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (T antigen) under its natural regulatory elements induces choroid plexus papillomas in transgenic mice. Because these tumors develop focally after several months, it has been suggested that secondary cellular alterations are required to induce a tumor in this tissue. In contrast to SV40, the related lymphotropic papovavirus early region induces rapid nonfocal choroid plexus neoplasia in transgenic mice. Here, using hybrid gene constructs, we showed that T antigen from either virus in in fact sufficient to induce these tumors. Their abilities to induce proliferative abnormalities in other tissues, such as kidney and thymus, were also indistinguishable. Differences in the rate of choroid plexus tumorigenesis reflected differences in the control regions of the two viruses, rather than differences in T antigen per se. Under SV40 regulation, expression was limited to a fraction of the choroid plexus cells prior to the formation of focal tumors. When SV40 T antigen was placed under lymphotropic papovavirus control, in contrast, expression was generally uniform in the choroid plexus and rapid expansion of the tissue ensued. We found a direct relationship between T-antigen expression, morphological transformation, and proliferation of the choroid plexus epithelial cells. Analysis of mosaic transgenic mice indicated further that T antigen exerts its mitogenic effect cell autonomously. These studies form the foundation for elucidating the role of various T-antigen subactivities in tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Role of pRb-related proteins in simian virus 40 large-T-antigen-mediated transformation.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 5800-5810 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Zalvide ◽  
J A DeCaprio
Keyword(s):  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Suppressor Gene ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Cellular Proteins ◽  
Large T Antigen ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Lxcxe Motif

Simian virus 40 large T-antigen (TAg) transformation is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by binding to and modulating the function of certain cellular proteins, including the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product, pRb. TAg can disrupt the inhibitory complexes formed by pRb with the oncogenic transcription factor E2F, and this mechanism has been suggested to be important for TAg-mediated transformation. Residues 102 to 114 of TAg (including the LXCXE motif) are required for binding to pRb. Mutations within this LXCXE motif abolish the ability of TAg to bind to pRb as well as to transform certain cell types. TAg can also bind to at least two other cellular proteins, p107 and p130, that are related to pRb by sequence homology and share the ability to bind E2F. However, whether p107 and p130 are also targets in TAg-mediated transformation is less clear. To assess the relative contribution of the inactivation of pRb, p107, and p130 to transformation by TAg, fibroblasts were prepared from embryos derived from matings of mice heterozygous for an Rb knockout allele. The ability of TAg to transform fibroblasts homozygous for either wild-type or knockout Rb alleles was evaluated. It is demonstrated that the integrity of the LXCXE motif provides a growth advantage in Rb+/+ and Rb-/- cells. Furthermore, wild-type TAg, but not the LXCXE mutants, could bind to p107 and p130 and disrupt p107-E2F and p130-E2F binding complexes. These results suggest that p107 and p130 participate in TAg-mediated transformation and that they may behave as tumor suppressors.

The retinoblastoma protein-binding region of simian virus 40 large T antigen alters cell cycle regulation in lenses of transgenic mice

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 6743-6754 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Fromm ◽  
W Shawlot ◽  
K Gunning ◽  
J S Butel ◽  
P A Overbeek
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Retinoblastoma Protein ◽  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Lens Fiber ◽  
Large T Antigen ◽  
Fiber Cells

Regulation of the cell cycle is a critical aspect of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. In many cell types, the differentiation process is accompanied by a loss of proliferative capability, so that terminally differentiated cells become postmitotic and no longer progress through the cell cycle. In the experiments described here, the ocular lens has been used as a system to examine the role of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) family in regulation of the cell cycle during differentiation. The ocular lens is an ideal system for such studies, since it is composed of just two cell types: epithelial cells, which are capable of proliferation, and fiber cells, which are postmitotic. In order to inactivate pRb in viable mice, genes encoding either a truncated version of simian virus 40 large T antigen or the E7 protein of human papillomavirus were expressed in a lens-specific fashion in transgenic mice. Lens fiber cells in the transgenic mice were found to incorporate bromodeoxyuridine, implying inappropriate entry into the cell cycle. Surprisingly, the lens fiber cells did not proliferate as tumor cells but instead underwent programmed cell death, resulting in lens ablation and microphthalmia. Analogous lens alterations did not occur in mice expressing a modified version of the truncated T antigen that was mutated in the binding domain for the pRb family. These experimental results indicate that the retinoblastoma protein family plays a crucial role in blocking cell cycle progression and maintaining terminal differentiation in lens fiber cells. Apoptotic cell death ensues when fiber cells are induced to remain in or reenter the cell cycle.

Efficient transfer of cloned DNA into human diploid cells: protoplast fusion in suspension

1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 2549-2552
Author(s):  
P Litzkas ◽  
K K Jha ◽  
H L Ozer
Keyword(s):  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
Selective Medium ◽  
T Antigen ◽  
Human Diploid Fibroblasts ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Human Diploid Cells ◽  
Diploid Cells

A method for fusion of protoplasts bearing amplified plasmids and human diploid fibroblasts or other cell types in suspension is described. Transient expression of plasmid-encoded proteins occurs in up to 50% of the human cells, as demonstrated for simian virus 40 T antigen by immunofluorescence and the Escherichia coli xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase by autoradiography. In contrast, frequencies of stable transformants were similar to those obtained by the CaPO4 coprecipitation technique. However, experiments with both methods involving the recombinant pRSVneo (in which the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat regulates expression of the antibiotic-inactivating aminoglycoside phosphotransferase) revealed a much higher frequency of colonies in G418 selective medium with constructions in which the early region of simian virus 40 DNA was present as well. We propose a role for the simian virus 40 T antigen in enhancing stable transformation in this system.

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