Post-translational regulation of the 54K cellular tumor antigen in normal and transformed cells

Dimers and complexes with p53 are the prevalent oligomeric forms of a transforming nonkaryophilic T antigen of simian virus 40

The oligomers formed by a mutant nonkaryophilic large T antigen of simian virus 40, which lacks residues 110 through 152 of normal large T antigen and transforms only established cells (L. Fischer-Fantuzzi and C. Vesco, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:1891-1895, 1985), were found to consist predominantly of dimers. Anti-p53 antibodies precipitated 14 to 16S complexes containing the mutant nonkaryophilic large T antigen and p53 from extracts of transformed cells, and anti-p53 indirect immunofluorescence stained these cells in the cytoplasm.

Overproduction of protein p53 contributes to simian virus 40-mediated transformation

The possible involvement of p53 overproduction in simian virus 40 (SV40)mediated transformation was studied by using the rat embryo fibroblast focus formation assay. Transformation by wild-type SV40 was enhanced two- to threefold by cotransfection of a plasmid overexpressing mouse p53. More significantly, such a plasmid could partially complement a transformation-defective deletion mutant of SV40. Hence, the ability of SV40 T antigen to induce high p53 levels may indeed be directly relevant to the viral transforming potential.

Analysis of adenovirus early region 4-encoded polypeptides synthesized in productively infected cells

Peptide-specific antisera were developed to analyze the products encoded by adenovirus type 5 early region 4 (E4) open reading frames 6 and 7. Reading frame 6 previously was shown to encode a 34-kilodalton polypeptide (34K polypeptide) that forms a complex with the early region 1B (E1B)-55K antigen and is required for efficient viral growth in lytic infection. Antisera that were generated recognized the E4-34K protein as well as a family of related polypeptides generated by the fusion of open reading frames 6 and 7. These polypeptides shared amino-terminal sequences with the 34K protein. Short-pulse analysis suggested that the heterogeneity observed with the 6/7 fusion products resulted from differential splicing patterns of related E4 mRNAs. An antiserum directed against the amino terminus of reading frame 6 recognized only the free form of the 34K antigen that was not associated with the E1B-55K protein. This observation allowed the determination of the stability of the free and complexed form of this polypeptide. Pulse-chase analyses demonstrated that both forms of the 34K protein had half-lives greater than 24 h, suggesting that complex formation did not result in stabilization of this gene product. The half-lives of the 6/7 fusion products were approximately 4 h. The 34K protein also was shown to have a nuclear localization within infected cells. Finally, analysis of a mutant carrying deletions in both the E4-34K and E1B-55K polypeptides indicated that the complex formed between these two proteins was a functional unit in lytic infection.

Medium tumor antigen of polyomavirus transformation-defective mutant NG59 is associated with 73-kilodalton heat shock protein

Affinity-purified medium T antigen encoded by NG59, a nontransforming mutant of polyomavirus, is specifically associated with a protein of 72,000 daltons (72K protein). Medium T antigens of wild-type polyomavirus and the transformation-competent mutant dl8 are not associated with the 72K protein. Instead, they form a complex with another protein of 61,000 daltons. Several lines of evidence suggest that the medium T antigen-associated 72K protein is equivalent to the abundant and constitutive 73K heat shock protein. First, on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels the 72K protein migrated with the same pI (5.6) as did the 73K heat shock protein. Second, the 72K protein was immunoprecipitable with antibodies against heat shock proteins. Third, when digested with V8 protease, the 72K protein gave rise to the same pattern of fragments as did the 73K heat shock protein.

Deletion of 5'-coding sequences of the cellular p53 gene in mouse erythroleukemia: a novel mechanism of oncogene regulation

The p53 gene is rearranged in an erythroleukemic cell line (DP15-2) transformed by Friend retrovirus. Here, we characterize the mutation and identify a deletion of approximately equal to 3.0 kilobases that removes exon 2 coding sequences. The gene is expressed in DP15-2 cells and results in synthesis of a 44,000-dalton protein that is missing the N-terminal amino acid residues of p53. The truncated protein is unusually stable and accumulates to high levels intracellularly. Moreover, it appears to have undergone a change in conformation as revealed by epitope mapping studies. This study represents the first description of an altered p53 gene product arising by mutation during neoplastic progression and identifies a region in the p53 protein molecule that plays a role in determining p53 stability in vivo.

Evidence for free and metabolically stable p53 protein in nuclear subfractions of simian virus 40-transformed cells

To determine functional subcellular loci of p53, a cellular protein associated with cellular transformation, we analyzed the nucleoplasmic, chromatin, and nuclear matrix fractions from normal mouse 3T3 cells, from methylcholanthren-transformed mouse (MethA) cells, and from various simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed cells for the presence of p53. In 3T3 and MethA cells, p53 was present in all nuclear subfractions, suggesting an association of p53 with different structural components of the nucleus. In 3T3 cells, p53 was rapidly turned over, whereas in MethA cells, p53 was metabolically stable. In SV40-transformed cells, p53 complexed to large tumor antigen (large T) was found in the nucleoplasmic and nuclear matrix fractions, as described previously (M. Staufenbiel and W. Deppert, Cell 33:173-181, 1983). In addition, however, metabolically stable p53 not complexed to large T (free p53) was also found in the chromatin and nuclear matrix fractions of these cells. This free p53 did not arise by dissociation of large T-p53 complexes, suggesting that stabilization of p53 in SV40-transformed cells can also occur by means other than formation of a complex with large T.

Immunologically distinct p53 molecules generated by alternative splicing

Transfection of a functional cloned p53 gene into an L12 p53 nonproducer cell line efficiently reconstituted p53 expression. The p53 protein synthesized in these clones was indistinguishable from that occurring naturally in tumor cells. When a p53 cDNA clone was used instead, we observed that the L12-derived clones exhibited a distinct immunological profile. In the present experiments we compared the immunological epitopes of p53 proteins encoded by several full-length cDNA clones. Immunoprecipitation of p53 proteins generated by in vitro transcription and translation of the various cDNA clones indicated variations in the content of immunological epitopes. Basically, two p53 protein species were detected. Both species contained the same antigenic determinants except the PAb421-PAb122 site, which was present in proteins encoded by p53-M11 and pcD-p53, but not in the p53 protein encoded by the p53-M8 cDNA clone. Sequence analysis of the various cDNA clones indicated the existence of a 96-base-pair (bp) insert in clone p53-M8 as compared with clone p53-M11 or pCD-p53. The 96-bp insert contained a termination signal which caused the premature termination of the protein, leading to the generation of a p53 product 9 amino acids shorter than usual. The existence of this insert also accounted for the lack of the PAb421-PAb122 epitope which was mapped to the 3' end of the cDNA clone, following the 96-bp insert. This insert shared complete homology with the p53 intron 10 sequences mapping 96 bp upstream of the 5' acceptor splicing site of p53 exon 11. It was therefore concluded that the different cDNA clones represented p53 mRNA species which were generated by an alternative splicing mechanism. Differential hybridization of the mRNA population of transformed fibroblastic or lymphoid cells with either the 96-bp synthetic oligonucleotide or the p53-M11 cDNA indicated that the various mRNA species are expressed in vivo.

Overproduction of protein p53 contributes to simian virus 40-mediated transformation

The possible involvement of p53 overproduction in simian virus 40 (SV40)mediated transformation was studied by using the rat embryo fibroblast focus formation assay. Transformation by wild-type SV40 was enhanced two- to threefold by cotransfection of a plasmid overexpressing mouse p53. More significantly, such a plasmid could partially complement a transformation-defective deletion mutant of SV40. Hence, the ability of SV40 T antigen to induce high p53 levels may indeed be directly relevant to the viral transforming potential.

Adenovirus serotype determines association and localization of the large E1B tumor antigen with cellular tumor antigen p53 in transformed cells

The distribution and stability of the cellular tumor antigen p53 were studied in baby rat kidney cells transformed by region E1 sequences of nononcogenic adenovirus (Ad) type 5 (Ad5) or oncogenic type 12 (Ad12). In transformed cells expressing the large E1B T antigen of Ad5, p53 was associated with this T antigen. The complexed proteins were concentrated in a cytoplasmic body, which has been shown to consist of a cluster of 8-nm filaments (A. Zantema et al., Virology 142:44-58, 1985). In transformed cells expressing the E1B region of Ad12, however, no association between the viral large T antigen and p53 was detectable. In the latter case, both proteins were found almost exclusively in the nucleus. The stability of p53 in both Ad5- and Ad12-transformed cells was increased relative to that in primary cells or cells immortalized by the E1A region only. Thus, the increased stability of p53 in Ad-transformed cells is not caused by association with a viral T antigen, but it correlates with expression of E1B and with morphological transformation.

p53 cellular tumor antigen: analysis of mRNA levels in normal adult tissues, embryos, and tumors

The relative levels of mRNA specific for the mouse p53 cellular tumor antigen were determined in various normal adult tissues, embryos, and tumors. All tumors studied contained concentrations of p53 mRNA well above those present in most normal tissues. Normal spleen, however, had p53 mRNA levels comparable to those found in some tumors, despite the fact that they contained barely detectable p53 protein. This apparent discrepancy was found to be due to the extremely rapid turnover rate of p53 in the spleen (half-life, approximately equal to 6 min). In developing fetuses, a marked reduction of p53 mRNA levels was manifest from day 11 onwards, whereas the levels during organogenesis (days 9 to 11) were comparable to those found in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and in some tumors.

Immunologically distinct p53 molecules generated by alternative splicing

Transfection of a functional cloned p53 gene into an L12 p53 nonproducer cell line efficiently reconstituted p53 expression. The p53 protein synthesized in these clones was indistinguishable from that occurring naturally in tumor cells. When a p53 cDNA clone was used instead, we observed that the L12-derived clones exhibited a distinct immunological profile. In the present experiments we compared the immunological epitopes of p53 proteins encoded by several full-length cDNA clones. Immunoprecipitation of p53 proteins generated by in vitro transcription and translation of the various cDNA clones indicated variations in the content of immunological epitopes. Basically, two p53 protein species were detected. Both species contained the same antigenic determinants except the PAb421-PAb122 site, which was present in proteins encoded by p53-M11 and pcD-p53, but not in the p53 protein encoded by the p53-M8 cDNA clone. Sequence analysis of the various cDNA clones indicated the existence of a 96-base-pair (bp) insert in clone p53-M8 as compared with clone p53-M11 or pCD-p53. The 96-bp insert contained a termination signal which caused the premature termination of the protein, leading to the generation of a p53 product 9 amino acids shorter than usual. The existence of this insert also accounted for the lack of the PAb421-PAb122 epitope which was mapped to the 3' end of the cDNA clone, following the 96-bp insert. This insert shared complete homology with the p53 intron 10 sequences mapping 96 bp upstream of the 5' acceptor splicing site of p53 exon 11. It was therefore concluded that the different cDNA clones represented p53 mRNA species which were generated by an alternative splicing mechanism. Differential hybridization of the mRNA population of transformed fibroblastic or lymphoid cells with either the 96-bp synthetic oligonucleotide or the p53-M11 cDNA indicated that the various mRNA species are expressed in vivo.

Expression of the p53 oncogene in acute myeloblastic leukemia

We have investigated whether the p53 oncogene is expressed in the blast cells of patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. p53 protein was detected in the blast cells of 19 out of 34 patients, but not in normal myelopoietic cells. We find a highly significant correlation between p53 protein synthesis in leukemic blast cells and the secondary plating efficiency of these cells (p = 0.0001). The latter provides an estimate for the self renewal capacity of progenitor cells in the blast population. These data indicate that p53 may be involved in leukemic stem cell renewal.

Evidence for free and metabolically stable p53 protein in nuclear subfractions of simian virus 40-transformed cells

To determine functional subcellular loci of p53, a cellular protein associated with cellular transformation, we analyzed the nucleoplasmic, chromatin, and nuclear matrix fractions from normal mouse 3T3 cells, from methylcholanthren-transformed mouse (MethA) cells, and from various simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed cells for the presence of p53. In 3T3 and MethA cells, p53 was present in all nuclear subfractions, suggesting an association of p53 with different structural components of the nucleus. In 3T3 cells, p53 was rapidly turned over, whereas in MethA cells, p53 was metabolically stable. In SV40-transformed cells, p53 complexed to large tumor antigen (large T) was found in the nucleoplasmic and nuclear matrix fractions, as described previously (M. Staufenbiel and W. Deppert, Cell 33:173-181, 1983). In addition, however, metabolically stable p53 not complexed to large T (free p53) was also found in the chromatin and nuclear matrix fractions of these cells. This free p53 did not arise by dissociation of large T-p53 complexes, suggesting that stabilization of p53 in SV40-transformed cells can also occur by means other than formation of a complex with large T.

Regulation of protein synthesis in virus-infected animal cells

This chapter summarizes the structural features that govern the translation of viral mRNAs: where the synthesis of a protein starts and ends, how many proteins can be produced from one mRNA, and how efficiently. It focuses on the interplay between viral and cellular mRNAs and the translational machinery. That interplay, together with the intrinsic structure of viral mRNAs, determines the patterns of translation in infected cells. It also points out some possibilities for translational regulation that can only be glimpsed at present, but are likely to come into focus in the future. The mechanism of selecting the initiation site for protein synthesis appears to follow a single formula. The translational machinery displays a certain flexibility that is exploited more frequently by viral than by cellular mRNAs. Although some of the parameters that determine efficiency have been identified, how efficiently a given mRNA will be translated cannot be predicted by summing the known parameters.

Simian virus 40 large T antigen oligomers: analysis of electrophoresis in the absence of detergent

Large T antigen of simian virus 40 is found as monomeric and oligomeric species in transformed cells. These can be demonstrated in cell extracts by velocity centrifugation in sucrose gradients. We analyzed them further in a transformed human line cell (SV80) and a transformed mouse line cell (SVT2). Individual fractions from sucrose gradients were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the absence of detergent. T-antigen species were then detected by protein blotting and antibody overlay with polyclonal anti-D2 T antibody or monoclonal Pab419, Pab101, or Pb1700 antibody. The rapidly sedimenting species (14S and larger) of large T antigen from both cell lines reproducibly showed two major bands with estimated molecular weights of 670,000 and 850,000. A third band of 1,200,000 was more prominent in SVT2 cells than in SV80 cells. In SV80 cells the slowly sedimenting species of large T antigen (5S to 11S) contained two reproducible bands. A band with a molecular weight of 95,000 was the predominant one in all fractions between 5S and 11S. A relatively minor band with a molecular weight of 230,000 was found in fractions between 9S and 11S. The low-molecular-weight forms were seen in SVT2 cells only when a prominent peak at 5S to 7S was present, that is, when extracts were stored before analysis. In fresh extracts, the low-molecular-weight bands and slowly sedimenting forms were absent.

Adenovirus serotype determines association and localization of the large E1B tumor antigen with cellular tumor antigen p53 in transformed cells

The distribution and stability of the cellular tumor antigen p53 were studied in baby rat kidney cells transformed by region E1 sequences of nononcogenic adenovirus (Ad) type 5 (Ad5) or oncogenic type 12 (Ad12). In transformed cells expressing the large E1B T antigen of Ad5, p53 was associated with this T antigen. The complexed proteins were concentrated in a cytoplasmic body, which has been shown to consist of a cluster of 8-nm filaments (A. Zantema et al., Virology 142:44-58, 1985). In transformed cells expressing the E1B region of Ad12, however, no association between the viral large T antigen and p53 was detectable. In the latter case, both proteins were found almost exclusively in the nucleus. The stability of p53 in both Ad5- and Ad12-transformed cells was increased relative to that in primary cells or cells immortalized by the E1A region only. Thus, the increased stability of p53 in Ad-transformed cells is not caused by association with a viral T antigen, but it correlates with expression of E1B and with morphological transformation.

p53 cellular tumor antigen: analysis of mRNA levels in normal adult tissues, embryos, and tumors

The relative levels of mRNA specific for the mouse p53 cellular tumor antigen were determined in various normal adult tissues, embryos, and tumors. All tumors studied contained concentrations of p53 mRNA well above those present in most normal tissues. Normal spleen, however, had p53 mRNA levels comparable to those found in some tumors, despite the fact that they contained barely detectable p53 protein. This apparent discrepancy was found to be due to the extremely rapid turnover rate of p53 in the spleen (half-life, approximately equal to 6 min). In developing fetuses, a marked reduction of p53 mRNA levels was manifest from day 11 onwards, whereas the levels during organogenesis (days 9 to 11) were comparable to those found in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and in some tumors.

Molecular cloning and in vitro expression of a cDNA clone for human cellular tumor antigen p53

Three clones for the human tumor antigen p53 were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from A431 cells. One of these clones, pR4-2, contains the entire coding region for human p53. This clone directs the synthesis of a polypeptide with the correct molecular weight and immunological epitopes of an authentic p53 molecule in an in vitro transcription-translation reaction. Although the pR4-2 clone contains the coding region for p53, it is not a full-length copy of the human p53 mRNA. Northern analysis showed that the p53 mRNA is approximately 2,500 nucleotides long, whereas the pR4-2 insert is only 1,760 base pairs in length. Analysis of the DNA sequence of this clone suggests that the human p53 polypeptide has 393 amino acids. We compared the predicted amino acid sequence of the pR4-2 clone with similar clones for the mouse p53 and found long regions of amino acid homology between these two molecules.

Molecular cloning and in vitro expression of a cDNA clone for human cellular tumor antigen p53

Three clones for the human tumor antigen p53 were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from A431 cells. One of these clones, pR4-2, contains the entire coding region for human p53. This clone directs the synthesis of a polypeptide with the correct molecular weight and immunological epitopes of an authentic p53 molecule in an in vitro transcription-translation reaction. Although the pR4-2 clone contains the coding region for p53, it is not a full-length copy of the human p53 mRNA. Northern analysis showed that the p53 mRNA is approximately 2,500 nucleotides long, whereas the pR4-2 insert is only 1,760 base pairs in length. Analysis of the DNA sequence of this clone suggests that the human p53 polypeptide has 393 amino acids. We compared the predicted amino acid sequence of the pR4-2 clone with similar clones for the mouse p53 and found long regions of amino acid homology between these two molecules.

Precise epitope mapping of the murine transformation-associated protein, p53

Murine p53 cDNA sequences were cloned into an in vitro expression vector, Protem Hind. Four deletion libraries were generated using Bal31 double-stranded exonuclease; two being made from constructs encoding a fusion protein constructed from SV40 small t sequences and the p53 clone, p27.la; and two from the full length p53 clone, pp53-5. Both 5'- and 3'-terminal deletions of the p53 gene were made. Transcription of these constructs using Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme, followed by translation in mRNA-dependent rabbit reticulocyte lysate, gave in vitro, truncated protein products which were immunoprecipitated by a panel of anti-p53 monoclonal antibodies. This approach enabled us to map accurately the binding sites of seven different monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating four distinct antigenic sites on p53. A synthetic peptide was constructed corresponding to the predicted amino acid sequence of one of these epitopes. This peptide competes with the epitope on the full length p53 protein for the relevant monoclonal antibodies and dissociates the corresponding p53/antibody complexes.

Altered processing of a major secreted phosphoprotein correlates with tumorigenicity in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed mammalian cells

Anchorage-independent growth is highly correlated with neoplastic growth in vivo, and the retinoids (vitamin A and its analogs) inhibit this property in a wide variety of oncogenically transformed cells. We report here that retinoic acid-treated Rous sarcoma virus-transformed rat (RR1022) and vole (SR-1T) cells, which show reversible loss of anchorage-independent growth and assume nontransformed morphology, secrete a major 69-kilodalton phosphoprotein (pp69) instead of the 62-kilodalton phosphoprotein (pp62) secreted by their untreated counterparts. As determined by V8 protease mapping and by two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis, this 69-kilodalton polypeptide was indistinguishable from the pp69 released by nontransformed normal rat kidney cells. Neither retinoic acid-treated RR1022 cells nor normal rat kidney cells secreted pp62, and retinoic acid treatment did not have any significant effect on the synthesis, subcellular localization, or phosphokinase activity of pp60src. Furthermore, treatment with retinoic acid did not alter the synthesis of the transformation-specific 53-kilodalton phosphoprotein (p53) and secretion of the transforming growth factors in RR1022 cells. Our studies showed that there is a clear correlation between the release of pp69 or pp62 and the ability of cells to grow in vitro with or without anchorage. This may provide an important clue for elucidating specific biochemical events involved in anchorage regulation of growth.

Expression of the mouse p53 cellular tumor antigen in monkey cells

DNA specific for the murine p53 cellular tumor antigen was linked to the early simian virus 40 promoter and introduced into monkey COS cells either by transfection with recombinant plasmids or by infection with virus. Recipient cells made substantial amounts of a protein apparently identical to mouse p53. Severalfold-larger quantities were detected when cells were transfected with an intron-containing p53-specific segment, as compared with transfection with intronless cDNA. The p53 encoded by the recombinant DNA was capable of complexing with the simian virus 40 T antigen. Transfected p53 was also probably associated with a cellular 68-kilodalton protein, which may be related to a protein coprecipitating with p53 in some transformed cells. These findings confirm the predicted reading frame and protein boundaries and demonstrate that apparently functional p53 can be produced in cells via experimentally introduced recombinant DNA.

Inactivation of p53 gene expression by an insertion of Moloney murine leukemia virus-like DNA sequences

Analysis of Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed L12 cells which lack the p53 cellular encoded tumor antigen revealed alterations in the p53-specific genomic DNA sequences. The active p53 gene, usually contained in a 16-kilobase EcoRI DNA fragment of p53 producer cells, went through major alterations leading to the appearance of a substantially larger 28.0-kilobase p53-specific EcoRI fragment. Detailed restriction enzyme analysis, with genomic probes spanning throughout the whole active p53 gene, indicated that the L12 p53 altered gene contains all the exons and principal introns of the normal p53 16.0-kilobase gene. However, its structure was interrupted by the integration of a novel DNA segment into the noncoding intervening sequences of the first p53 intron. Analysis of the inserted sequences revealed close homology to Moloney murine leukemia virus. This Moloney leukemia murine virus-like particle resides in a 5' to 3' transcriptional orientation, similar to the p53 gene, permitting the transcription of aberrant fused mRNA molecules detected in these cells.

Association of simian virus 40 T antigen with the nuclear matrix of infected and transformed monkey cells

The subnuclear distribution of simian virus 40 large T antigen within nuclei of transformed Cos and C6 monkey cells was examined. Cos cells express wild-type T antigen but lack viral sequences required for DNA replication, whereas C6 cells contain a functional viral origin but express a replication-defective mutant T antigen which is unable to bind specifically to viral DNA. Discrete subpopulations of T antigen were isolated from the soluble nucleoplasm, chromatin, and nuclear matrix of both cell lines. Although only a small quantity (2 to 12%) of the total nuclear T antigen from Cos cells was associated with the nuclear matrix, a high proportion (25 to 50%) of C6 T antigen was bound to this structure. Results obtained from lytically infected monkey cells showed that early in infection, before viral replication was initiated, a higher proportion (22%) of T antigen was found associated with the nuclear matrix compared with amounts found associated with this structure later in infection (5 to 8%). These results suggest that an increased association of T antigen with this structure is not correlated with viral replication. T antigen isolated from the C6 nuclear matrix was more highly phosphorylated than was soluble C6 T antigen and was capable of binding to the host p53 protein. C6 DNA contains three mutations: two corresponding to N-terminal changes at amino acid positions 30 and 51 and a third located internally at amino acid position 153. By analysis of the subnuclear distribution of T antigen from rat cells transformed by C6 submutant T antigens, it was determined that one or both of the mutations at the NH2 terminus are responsible for the increased quantity of C6 T antigen associated with the nuclear matrix. These results suggest that neither a functional viral DNA replication origin nor the origin binding property of T antigen is required for association of this protein with the nuclear matrix.

Isolation and characterization of a human p53 cDNA clone: expression of the human p53 gene

A cDNA clone for human p53 cellular tumor antigen has been isolated and characterized. This clone contains the complete 3'-untranslated region and most of the open reading frame for the protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that p53 mRNA contains an Alu repeat in the 3'-untranslated region. Hybridization selection experiments showed this clone was capable of selectively binding p53 mRNA. In vitro translation of SV80 mRNA resulted in the synthesis of two immunoreactive p53 polypeptide species. Northern blot analysis showed that human p53 mRNA was 2.8 kb in length and was present in cell lines containing high and low levels of p53 protein. There appears to be only a single p53 gene in human cells and Southern blot analysis demonstrated no major genomic rearrangements or amplification of the p53 gene in the transformed cell lines examined.

UV irradiation stimulates levels of p53 cellular tumor antigen in nontransformed mouse cells

Elevated levels of the p53 cellular tumor antigen have been previously observed in proliferating and transformed mammalian cells. We found that nontransformed mouse cells treated with either UV light or a UV-mimetic chemical carcinogen exhibited a rapid increase in the amount of p53. This stimulation can be explained, at least in part, on the basis of a post-translational stabilization of p53 which is independent of replicative DNA synthesis, consistent with p53 not being an adventitious product of proliferating cells. The results presented here are interpreted in light of the general hypothesis that p53 is involved in the preparation of mammalian cells for DNA synthesis.

Expression of the mouse p53 cellular tumor antigen in monkey cells

DNA specific for the murine p53 cellular tumor antigen was linked to the early simian virus 40 promoter and introduced into monkey COS cells either by transfection with recombinant plasmids or by infection with virus. Recipient cells made substantial amounts of a protein apparently identical to mouse p53. Severalfold-larger quantities were detected when cells were transfected with an intron-containing p53-specific segment, as compared with transfection with intronless cDNA. The p53 encoded by the recombinant DNA was capable of complexing with the simian virus 40 T antigen. Transfected p53 was also probably associated with a cellular 68-kilodalton protein, which may be related to a protein coprecipitating with p53 in some transformed cells. These findings confirm the predicted reading frame and protein boundaries and demonstrate that apparently functional p53 can be produced in cells via experimentally introduced recombinant DNA.

UV irradiation stimulates levels of p53 cellular tumor antigen in nontransformed mouse cells

Elevated levels of the p53 cellular tumor antigen have been previously observed in proliferating and transformed mammalian cells. We found that nontransformed mouse cells treated with either UV light or a UV-mimetic chemical carcinogen exhibited a rapid increase in the amount of p53. This stimulation can be explained, at least in part, on the basis of a post-translational stabilization of p53 which is independent of replicative DNA synthesis, consistent with p53 not being an adventitious product of proliferating cells. The results presented here are interpreted in light of the general hypothesis that p53 is involved in the preparation of mammalian cells for DNA synthesis.

Cloning and expression analysis of full length mouse cDNA sequences encoding the transformation associated protein p53

We have cloned and sequenced overlapping cDNA fragments which together encode the entire mouse protein p53. Using these cDNA's we have reconstructed the full length coding region for the protein, and have analysed its coding potential by expression in vitro, both as a full length sequence and as a subfragment contained in a fusion protein. The predicted amino acid sequence contains no obvious homologies to any known oncogenes but includes a possible tyrosine kinase acceptor site.

Association of simian virus 40 T antigen with the nuclear matrix of infected and transformed monkey cells

The subnuclear distribution of simian virus 40 large T antigen within nuclei of transformed Cos and C6 monkey cells was examined. Cos cells express wild-type T antigen but lack viral sequences required for DNA replication, whereas C6 cells contain a functional viral origin but express a replication-defective mutant T antigen which is unable to bind specifically to viral DNA. Discrete subpopulations of T antigen were isolated from the soluble nucleoplasm, chromatin, and nuclear matrix of both cell lines. Although only a small quantity (2 to 12%) of the total nuclear T antigen from Cos cells was associated with the nuclear matrix, a high proportion (25 to 50%) of C6 T antigen was bound to this structure. Results obtained from lytically infected monkey cells showed that early in infection, before viral replication was initiated, a higher proportion (22%) of T antigen was found associated with the nuclear matrix compared with amounts found associated with this structure later in infection (5 to 8%). These results suggest that an increased association of T antigen with this structure is not correlated with viral replication. T antigen isolated from the C6 nuclear matrix was more highly phosphorylated than was soluble C6 T antigen and was capable of binding to the host p53 protein. C6 DNA contains three mutations: two corresponding to N-terminal changes at amino acid positions 30 and 51 and a third located internally at amino acid position 153. By analysis of the subnuclear distribution of T antigen from rat cells transformed by C6 submutant T antigens, it was determined that one or both of the mutations at the NH2 terminus are responsible for the increased quantity of C6 T antigen associated with the nuclear matrix. These results suggest that neither a functional viral DNA replication origin nor the origin binding property of T antigen is required for association of this protein with the nuclear matrix.

Inactivation of p53 gene expression by an insertion of Moloney murine leukemia virus-like DNA sequences

Analysis of Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed L12 cells which lack the p53 cellular encoded tumor antigen revealed alterations in the p53-specific genomic DNA sequences. The active p53 gene, usually contained in a 16-kilobase EcoRI DNA fragment of p53 producer cells, went through major alterations leading to the appearance of a substantially larger 28.0-kilobase p53-specific EcoRI fragment. Detailed restriction enzyme analysis, with genomic probes spanning throughout the whole active p53 gene, indicated that the L12 p53 altered gene contains all the exons and principal introns of the normal p53 16.0-kilobase gene. However, its structure was interrupted by the integration of a novel DNA segment into the noncoding intervening sequences of the first p53 intron. Analysis of the inserted sequences revealed close homology to Moloney murine leukemia virus. This Moloney leukemia murine virus-like particle resides in a 5' to 3' transcriptional orientation, similar to the p53 gene, permitting the transcription of aberrant fused mRNA molecules detected in these cells.

Energy requirement for degradation of tumor-associated protein p53

A 53,000-dalton protein (p53) present in large amounts in several types of tumorigenic cells was rapidly degraded in nontumorigenic BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts (t 1/2, approximately 0.5 h) but not in tumorigenic methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma cells (t 1/2, greater than 2 h). In 3T3 cells, dinitrophenol and 2-deoxyglucose, agents which reduce ATP production, inhibited the rapid degradation of p53 and the slower breakdown of total cell protein. After removal of these agents, the degradation of both p53 and total cell proteins resumed at their normal rates. Inhibitors of intralysosomal proteolysis (Ep475 and chloroquine) did not reduce the rate of degradation of p53. Thus, in 3T3 cells, p53 appears to be degraded by a nonlysosomal, ATP-dependent proteolytic system similar to that previously shown to degrade short- and long-lived proteins in growing fibroblasts. The immunoreactive p53 which remained in ATP-depleted cells had the same molecular weight as the p53 in the control cells. No intermediate products of p53 degradation were detected by immunoprecipitation in either ATP-depleted or control cells. Hence, ATP seems to be required for an initial step in the degradation of p53. Although the amount of labeled p53 was increased in simian virus 40-transformed and methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma cells, the amount of p53 labeled during a 3-h pulse in Moloney virus- and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells and untransformed 3T3 cells was similar. Thus, an increased net rate of p53 accumulation is not a common feature of transformed tumorigenic cells.

Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed cells that lack p53 protein synthesis express aberrant p53 mRNA species

Cells of the Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed line L12 that lack the p53 protein also lack polyadenylated mRNA capable of directing the synthesis of p53 in a cell-free system. Direct analysis of stable polyadenylated mRNA from a variety of cell lines shows that all p53 producers shared a common mRNA species (2.0 kilobases) which hybridized with a p53-specific cDNA probe. This species, which appears to be the mature, normal-sized p53 mRNA, was totally undetectable in L12 cells, which did not produce p53 in vivo. However, L12 cells contained two major p53-specific mRNA species of a substantially larger size (3.5 and 6.5 kilobases) than the p53-specific mRNA in the p53-producing cells. Genomic DNA analysis uncovered an apparent alteration in the 5' proximal part of only one p53 gene, which is unique to the L12 cell line. It is thus possible that the nonproducer phenotype of L12 cells is due at least in part to an alteration within a p53-specific DNA sequence. These findings define a system in which production of p53 appears to be efficiently regulated at the level of stable mRNA and which can be used to study the mechanisms controlling p53 expression in Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed cells.

Role of the p53 protein in cell proliferation as studied by microinjection of monoclonal antibodies

Two monoclonal antibodies against the p53 protein, PAb 122 and 200-47, were microinjected into mammalian cells as a probe to determine the role of the p53 protein in cell proliferation. PAb 122 recognizes the p53 proteins of mouse and human cells but not of hamster cells, whereas 200-47 recognizes the p53 proteins of mouse and hamster cells but not of human cells. The ability of these antibodies to inhibit serum-stimulated DNA synthesis of cells in culture correlates with their ability to recognize the species-specific antigenic determinants. More important, however, is the observation that microinjected PAb 122 inhibits the transition of Swiss 3T3 cells from G0 to S phase, but has no effect on the progression of these cells from mitosis to the S phase.

Chromosomal assignment of the murine gene encoding the transformation-related protein p53

p53 is a transformation-related protein that is encoded by the cellular genome and is synthesized at elevated levels in a wide range of different cell line types and in primary tumors of various species. By using several independently established anti-p53 monoclonal antibodies, it was possible to distinguish between p53 of mouse origin and p53 of Chinese hamster origin. By analysis of a series of mouse X Chinese hamster hybrid cell lines containing various mouse chromosomes, we mapped the p53 gene product to mouse chromosome 11.

Energy requirement for degradation of tumor-associated protein p53

A 53,000-dalton protein (p53) present in large amounts in several types of tumorigenic cells was rapidly degraded in nontumorigenic BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts (t 1/2, approximately 0.5 h) but not in tumorigenic methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma cells (t 1/2, greater than 2 h). In 3T3 cells, dinitrophenol and 2-deoxyglucose, agents which reduce ATP production, inhibited the rapid degradation of p53 and the slower breakdown of total cell protein. After removal of these agents, the degradation of both p53 and total cell proteins resumed at their normal rates. Inhibitors of intralysosomal proteolysis (Ep475 and chloroquine) did not reduce the rate of degradation of p53. Thus, in 3T3 cells, p53 appears to be degraded by a nonlysosomal, ATP-dependent proteolytic system similar to that previously shown to degrade short- and long-lived proteins in growing fibroblasts. The immunoreactive p53 which remained in ATP-depleted cells had the same molecular weight as the p53 in the control cells. No intermediate products of p53 degradation were detected by immunoprecipitation in either ATP-depleted or control cells. Hence, ATP seems to be required for an initial step in the degradation of p53. Although the amount of labeled p53 was increased in simian virus 40-transformed and methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcoma cells, the amount of p53 labeled during a 3-h pulse in Moloney virus- and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells and untransformed 3T3 cells was similar. Thus, an increased net rate of p53 accumulation is not a common feature of transformed tumorigenic cells.

Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed cells that lack p53 protein synthesis express aberrant p53 mRNA species

Cells of the Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed line L12 that lack the p53 protein also lack polyadenylated mRNA capable of directing the synthesis of p53 in a cell-free system. Direct analysis of stable polyadenylated mRNA from a variety of cell lines shows that all p53 producers shared a common mRNA species (2.0 kilobases) which hybridized with a p53-specific cDNA probe. This species, which appears to be the mature, normal-sized p53 mRNA, was totally undetectable in L12 cells, which did not produce p53 in vivo. However, L12 cells contained two major p53-specific mRNA species of a substantially larger size (3.5 and 6.5 kilobases) than the p53-specific mRNA in the p53-producing cells. Genomic DNA analysis uncovered an apparent alteration in the 5' proximal part of only one p53 gene, which is unique to the L12 cell line. It is thus possible that the nonproducer phenotype of L12 cells is due at least in part to an alteration within a p53-specific DNA sequence. These findings define a system in which production of p53 appears to be efficiently regulated at the level of stable mRNA and which can be used to study the mechanisms controlling p53 expression in Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed cells.

Large-T-antigen-p53 complex formation is not cold sensitive in a cold-sensitive transformant induced by simian virus 40 mutant tsA1499

F111 rat cells transformed by simian virus 40 mutant tsA1499 are cold sensitive for the expression of transformation. Yet, unlike F111 cells transformed by tsA58, they do not lose the ability to stabilize the transformation-associated host cell protein p53 at the temperature at which transformation is extinguished.

Two distinct mechanisms regulate the levels of a cellular tumor antigen, p53

The steady-state levels of p53 protein and p53 mRNA in transformed and nontransformed cells were examined to elucidate the mechanisms controlling expression of p53. mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot hybridization analysis, employing a p53-specific cDNA clone (M. Oren and A.J. Levine, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:56-59, 1983), and protein levels were determined by the Western blotting technique. Analysis of p53 mRNA revealed a single polyadenylated mRNA species migrating at ca. 18S. Levels of p53 mRNA in simian virus 40-transformed cell line (SVT2) and in an homologous nontransformed cell line (3T3) were equivalent, although the steady-state levels of p53 protein were 25- to 100-fold higher in the SVT2 cells than in the 3T3 cells. A study with a non-virus-transformed cell system revealed a different result. Embryonal carcinoma cells (F9) were found to have nearly 20-fold higher levels of p53 mRNA in comparison with differentiated benign progeny cells. In this system the difference in p53 mRNA levels corresponded to the difference in p53 protein levels. Pulse-chase experiments were performed to study the half-life of p53 protein in these four types of cells. The turnover of p53 protein occurred with biphasic kinetics. In addition, it was found that protein synthesis inhibitors placed in the medium during the chase period prevented the turnover of p53 protein in transformed cells, but not in nontransformed (3T3) cells. These results provide evidence that the regulation of p53 expression in cells can occur at the level of p53 mRNA abundancy or p53 protein stability depending upon the experimental system under study, and that a regulated degradation process controls the turnover of p53 protein.

Chromosomal assignment of the murine gene encoding the transformation-related protein p53

p53 is a transformation-related protein that is encoded by the cellular genome and is synthesized at elevated levels in a wide range of different cell line types and in primary tumors of various species. By using several independently established anti-p53 monoclonal antibodies, it was possible to distinguish between p53 of mouse origin and p53 of Chinese hamster origin. By analysis of a series of mouse X Chinese hamster hybrid cell lines containing various mouse chromosomes, we mapped the p53 gene product to mouse chromosome 11.

Role of the p53 protein in cell proliferation as studied by microinjection of monoclonal antibodies

Two monoclonal antibodies against the p53 protein, PAb 122 and 200-47, were microinjected into mammalian cells as a probe to determine the role of the p53 protein in cell proliferation. PAb 122 recognizes the p53 proteins of mouse and human cells but not of hamster cells, whereas 200-47 recognizes the p53 proteins of mouse and hamster cells but not of human cells. The ability of these antibodies to inhibit serum-stimulated DNA synthesis of cells in culture correlates with their ability to recognize the species-specific antigenic determinants. More important, however, is the observation that microinjected PAb 122 inhibits the transition of Swiss 3T3 cells from G0 to S phase, but has no effect on the progression of these cells from mitosis to the S phase.

Two distinct mechanisms regulate the levels of a cellular tumor antigen, p53

The steady-state levels of p53 protein and p53 mRNA in transformed and nontransformed cells were examined to elucidate the mechanisms controlling expression of p53. mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot hybridization analysis, employing a p53-specific cDNA clone (M. Oren and A.J. Levine, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:56-59, 1983), and protein levels were determined by the Western blotting technique. Analysis of p53 mRNA revealed a single polyadenylated mRNA species migrating at ca. 18S. Levels of p53 mRNA in simian virus 40-transformed cell line (SVT2) and in an homologous nontransformed cell line (3T3) were equivalent, although the steady-state levels of p53 protein were 25- to 100-fold higher in the SVT2 cells than in the 3T3 cells. A study with a non-virus-transformed cell system revealed a different result. Embryonal carcinoma cells (F9) were found to have nearly 20-fold higher levels of p53 mRNA in comparison with differentiated benign progeny cells. In this system the difference in p53 mRNA levels corresponded to the difference in p53 protein levels. Pulse-chase experiments were performed to study the half-life of p53 protein in these four types of cells. The turnover of p53 protein occurred with biphasic kinetics. In addition, it was found that protein synthesis inhibitors placed in the medium during the chase period prevented the turnover of p53 protein in transformed cells, but not in nontransformed (3T3) cells. These results provide evidence that the regulation of p53 expression in cells can occur at the level of p53 mRNA abundancy or p53 protein stability depending upon the experimental system under study, and that a regulated degradation process controls the turnover of p53 protein.

Protein p53 and inducer-mediated erythroleukemia cell commitment to terminal cell division

Inducer-mediated murine erythroleukemia cell (MELC) differentiation provides a model for examining factors determining terminal cell differentiation. The nuclear protein, p53, has been implicated as a potential determinant of cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. In this study p53 content and synthesis, during inducer-mediated MELC differentiation, has been examined with monoclonal antibodies to p53. A decrease in p53 synthesis and content was demonstrated during induced differentiation. As determined by cell cycle fractionation, the decrease in p53 is manifest at all stages of the cell cycle. Hemin, which induces globin mRNA accumulation but not terminal cell division, fails to decrease p53 content. A MELC variant resistant to inducer-mediated commitment to terminal cell division also fails to decrease p53 levels in response to inducers. These experiments suggest that p53 is implicated in MELC cell proliferation and that an induced decrease in p53 may be responsible for G1 phase prolongation and terminal G1 arrest.

Pre-crisis mouse cells show strain-specific covariation in the amount of 54-kilodalton phosphoprotein and in susceptibility to transformation by simian virus 40

We have used several inbred mouse strains to examine the role of the 54-kilodalton (kDa) cellular phosphoprotein in transformation by the papovavirus simian virus 40. We have measured the endogenous 54-kDa phosphoprotein in cells obtained from these inbred mouse strains. To study the effect of passage, cell cultures were measured for amount of the 54-kDa phosphoprotein at the 2nd and 12th passages. In the absence of any transforming agent, the amount of endogenous 54-kDa phosphoprotein in early pre-crisis mouse cells varied in a strain-specific way. Transformation frequency varied coordinately with endogenous 54-kDa expression. Mouse strains whose cells produced a high level of endogenous 54-kDa phosphoprotein on passage did not further increase its expression after simian virus 40 transformation.

Stabilization of the large T protein in temperature-independent (type A) FR 3T3 rat cells transformed with the simian virus 40 tsA30 mutant

The stabilities of in vivo [35S]methionine-labeled large T and small t proteins, synthesized in temperature-sensitive (type N) and temperature-insensitive (type A) FR 3T3 rat cells transformed by an early temperature-sensitive mutant of simian virus 40 (SV40), tsA30, were analyzed at the permissive and restrictive temperatures. The two polypeptides, detected in greatly reduced amounts in cells of the N type at the restrictive temperature, were also unstable at the permissive temperature. However, both were made in similar amounts and were apparently stable in cells of the A type, irrespective of the temperature. The structures of the viral RNAs present at the permissive temperature were analyzed for transformants representative of each type, and containing a single integration of viral DNA. The two cell lines synthesized transcripts identical to the large T and small t mRNAs identified in SV40-infected monkey cells. Similar amounts of viral RNA were found in A and N transformants in active growth at the permissive and restrictive temperatures, which argued against a control at a transcriptional level. Assay of a defined function of the protein, namely, the binding of nucleotide detected by affinity labeling with periodate-oxidized [alpha-32P]ATP, clearly showed that the large T proteins from both types of transformants exhibited, at least for that particular biochemical function, the same in vitro temperature sensitivity. In transformants of the A type only could a reduced binding activity be detected in extracts from cells grown at the restrictive temperature. Thus, the temperature-independent behavior of the A transformants may result from an in vivo partial stabilization of the newly synthesized large T protein, probably through interaction with a cellular component(s).

Stabilization of the 53,000-dalton nonviral tumor antigen is not required for transformation by simian virus 40

We have isolated a simian virus 40 deletion mutant, F8dl, that lacks the sequences from 0.168 to 0.424 map units. The deleted sequences represent about one-half of the coding region for large T antigen. We present evidence here that F8dl is able to transform mouse cells in a focus assay and that cell lines derived from these foci exhibit fully transformed phenotypes, have integrated mutant genomes, and express mutant-encoded proteins. This result implies that the region of the simian virus 40 genome between 0.168 and 0.424 map units is not essential for the maintenance of transformation. In addition, we have found that cells fully transformed by F8dl produce a 53,000-dalton nonviral tumor antigen (p53) that is as unstable as the p53 of untransformed cells. From this result we infer that transformation by simian virus 40 does not require the stabilization of p53.

Interaction between the Rous sarcoma virus transforming protein and two cellular phosphoproteins: analysis of the turnover and distribution of this complex

The transforming protein of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), pp60src, was previously shown to associate with two cellular proteins of Mr 90,000 and 50,000 in RSV-transformed chicken cells. In this report, we demonstrate that this interaction is specific for a discrete population of pp60src molecules. Newly synthesized pp60src was found to preferentially associate with pp90 and pp50 to form a short-lived complex. The half-life of this complex varied from 9 to 15 min in cells transformed by nondefective strains of RSV. This interaction between pp60src, pp50, and pp90 took place in a soluble fraction of the cell, and the complex-bound pp60src molecules were not phosphorylated on tyrosine. These results suggest that pp90 and pp50 may be involved in the processing of pp60src molecules before the association of pp60src with the plasma membrane. The kinetics of dissociation of this complex were shown to be altered in cells infected with viruses containing a temperature-sensitive defect in the src gene. When cells infected with these viruses were grown at the nonpermissive temperature, more than 90% of the pp60src molecules were associated with pp90 and pp50, and little or no dissociation was observed in a 3-h chase period. These results suggest that mutations in the src gene which affect the transforming activity of pp60src also affect the stability of the interaction of pp60src with pp90 and pp50.

Study of the functional activities concomitantly retained by the 115,000 Mr super T antigen, an evolutionary variant of simian virus 40 large T antigen expressed in transformed rat cells

Simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed V 11 F 1 clone 1 subclone 7 rat cells (subclone 7) do not synthesize normal-size large T antigen (M(r), 90,000); instead, they produce a 115,000 M(r) super T antigen (115K super T antigen). This super T antigen is SV40 virus coded, and its synthesis results from rearrangement and amplification of integrated viral DNA sequences in subclone 7 (May et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 9:4111-4128, 1981). In this study the functional activities of 115K super T antigen were compared with the functional activities of SV40 large T antigen. Transfection experiments were performed with (i) cosmid SVE 5 Kb and plasmid pSVsT, both containing the super T antigen gene and (ii) plasmids pSV1 and pSV40, both containing the large T antigen gene. Transfection of pSVsT DNA or SVE 5 Kb DNA into secondary cultures of rat kidney cells induced the formation of transformed cell foci with an efficiency that was about 50% of the efficiency of pSV1 DNA or pSV40 DNA. Concomitant with the transforming activity, two other activities were also retained by super T antigen, namely, the ability to enhance the level of host cellular protein p53 and the capacity to bind to p53. In contrast, pSVsT and SVE 5 Kb DNAs were markedly deficient in the capacity to support tsA58 DNA replication in CV1-P cells at a nonpermissive temperature (41 degrees C), as shown by cotransfection experiments. The yield of virus produced in these experiments was 400-fold less than the yield obtained in parallel experiments with pSV40 or pSV1. However, SVE 5 Kb and pSVsT have a functional SV40 replication origin, as shown by their efficient replication in COS 1 cells which provided functional large T antigen. Super T antigen also possesses a specific affinity for sequences of SV40 viral origin. Our results suggest that under certain conditions, evolutionary changes in T antigen take place and that these changes could be restricted to the phenotypic requirement of maintaining a structure that is able to induce cell transformation, to form a complex with p53, and to enhance the cellular level of p53. Therefore, there appears to be a close relationship among the activities of T antigen involved in transforming cells, in binding to p53, and in enhancing the p53 cellular level. Moreover, this set of activities appears to be separable from the replicative ability of T antigen, based on the observation that 115K super T antigen is markedly defective for initiating viral DNA synthesis.

Stabilization of the 53,000-dalton nonviral tumor antigen is not required for transformation by simian virus 40

We have isolated a simian virus 40 deletion mutant, F8dl, that lacks the sequences from 0.168 to 0.424 map units. The deleted sequences represent about one-half of the coding region for large T antigen. We present evidence here that F8dl is able to transform mouse cells in a focus assay and that cell lines derived from these foci exhibit fully transformed phenotypes, have integrated mutant genomes, and express mutant-encoded proteins. This result implies that the region of the simian virus 40 genome between 0.168 and 0.424 map units is not essential for the maintenance of transformation. In addition, we have found that cells fully transformed by F8dl produce a 53,000-dalton nonviral tumor antigen (p53) that is as unstable as the p53 of untransformed cells. From this result we infer that transformation by simian virus 40 does not require the stabilization of p53.

Molecular cloning of a cDNA specific for the murine p53 cellular tumor antigen

A cDNA library was constructed from sucrose-gradient-fractionated mRNA from SVT2, a mouse cell line transformed by simian virus 40. Polysomes containing the p53 messenger were specifically immunoprecipitated with monoclonal antibodies against the protein and used to prepare mRNA. This immunoselected mRNA, enriched 1,000-to 2,000-fold for p53-specific sequences, was used to make a cDNA probe and to screen the cDNA library. When approximately 10,000 colonies were screened by differential hybridization with probes made from immunoselected vs. nonenriched mRNA, a single clone was found that contained p53-specific sequences. The identity of this clone, termed pp53-208, was confirmed by the ability of its DNA to hybridize the mRNA coding for p53 (hybrid selection assay). When hybridized to a blot of EcoRI digested mouse DNA, the pp53-208 insert reacted with a single 3.3-kilobase band, suggesting that it is complementary to a single gene.