[Effect of 5-azacytidine on expression of DNA sequences homologous to ENV gene of murine mammary tumor virus in normal human lymphocytes]

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol. 2002:(2):36-9.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

Expression of DNA sequences, related to MMTV env gene, in peripheral blood lymphocytes, which was strictly specific for human mammary carcinoma, has been previously reported. These sequences (homologous to env gene site coding for MMTV gp52 envelope antigen) expressed in T cells can play the key role in virus infection transmission and propagation. In order to elucidate the possible routes of env MMTV-homologous sequences expression, we tried to induced it in donot T lymphocytes by various methods: hormone and virus treatment (related genome "saving" at the expense of the added virus envelope), T cell culturing with conA, interferon-2, and 5-azacytidine. RT-PCR with primers specific for the gp52-coding area of MMTV env gene showed expression of env-homologous sequences in donor T cells cultured in medium with 5-azacytidine. Indirect immunofluorescence with monospecific serum to MMTV gp52 detected gp52 analogous genes only in cultures with 5-azacytidine but not other agents. We therefore suggested that MMTV env-homologous sequences in donors are situated in the methylated promoter zone. Expression of these sequences in T cells, specific for human mammary carcinoma, can be due to demethylation of the promoter and induction of env-homologous sequences to the level of translation of gp52 analogous antigens or by initial location of some of the expressed sequences in the demethylated zone of the genome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • Azacitidine / pharmacology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Genes, env / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Interferons / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / genetics
  • Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • glycoprotein 52 antigen, Mouse mammary tumor virus
  • Interferons
  • Azacitidine