MMTV Env encodes an ITAM responsible for transformation of mammary epithelial cells in three-dimensional culture.

ABSTRACT: Expression of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing signaling proteins is normally restricted to hematopoietic tissues. The basal activity of ITAM-containing proteins is mediated through negative regulation by coreceptors restricted to hematopoietic tissues. We have identified an ITAM signaling domain encoded within the env gene of murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV). Three-dimensional structures derived in vitro from murine cells stably transfected with MMTV env display a depolarized morphology in comparison with control mammary epithelial cells. This effect is abolished by Y>F substitution within the Env ITAM, as well as inhibitors of Syk and Src protein tyrosine kinases. Env-expressing cells bear hallmarks of cell transformation such as sensitivity to apoptosis

SUBMITTER: Katz E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2213037 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature