Studies on the intracellular reverse transcriptase of RNA tumor viruses

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Abstract

Reverse transcriptase (RNA-directed DNA polymerase) serves as a sensitive marker for identification of RNA tumor viruses in studies concerning the possible involvement of these viruses in human neoplasia, especially leukemia. Very little is known to date on the mechanisms which control the synthesis and maturation of reverse transcriptase in the cell: such knowledge is important for successful exploitation of this enzyme as an analytical tool in tumor virology. Most of the studies concerning reverse transcriptase have been done with enzyme of mature extracellular virions. This communication concentrates on one aspect of reverse transcriptase - the nature of the intracellular enzyme. Reverse transcriptase enzymatic activity in Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) infected cells was found to be associated with plasma membranes and no activity could be detected in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction. To be able to detect and quantitate reverse transcriptase and possible precursors of the enzyme in the cell, regardless of its enzymatic activity, a radioimmunoassay for this enzyme was developed. The application of this method for the detection and characterization of reverse transcriptase from virions and virus infected cells is described.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)731-739
Number of pages9
JournalIsrael Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume13
Issue number7
StatePublished - 1977

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