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Viral transduction of c-myc gene in naturally occurring feline leukaemias

Nature volume 308, pages 856–858 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is epidemiologically associated with induction of the majority of lymphoid tumours of the domestic cat1. However, about one-third of these tumours are devoid of exogenous virus or show evidence of virus integration only after tumour outgrowth1,2. To help define the genetic mechanisms of feline lymphomagenesis we have explored here the possibility that cellular oncogenes (c-onc genes) are rearranged in tumour cell DNA. Of 16 FeLV-positive T-cell tumours among 31 naturally occurring lymphomas, 2 showed evidence of recombinant FeLV proviruses containing myc oncogene sequences. One of the two produced a transmissible myc-containing FeLV. In both cases c-myc and its surrounding DNA appeared unaltered. We believe that the association of myc with FeLV may result in its activation and play a part in the development of a significant fraction of cat T-cell lymphomas. Our findings contrast with studies of experimental induction of chicken lymphoma, in which myc activation occurs by retrovirus promoter insertion near c-myc (refs 3–5), rather than by incorporation into virus.

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Author notes

  1. Susan M. Cotter: Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine and Angell Memorial Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cancer Biology, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA

    James I. Mullins, David S. Brody, Richard C. Binari Jr & Susan M. Cotter

Authors
  1. James I. Mullins
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  2. David S. Brody
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  3. Richard C. Binari Jr
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  4. Susan M. Cotter
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Mullins, J., Brody, D., Binari, R. et al. Viral transduction of c-myc gene in naturally occurring feline leukaemias. Nature 308, 856–858 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/308856a0

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