Hematopoietic cells transformed in vitro by REVT avian reticuloendotheliosis virus express characteristics of very immature lymphoid cells

Life cycle of chicken bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC)

The transmission electron microscopy revealed a dendritic cell in the medulla of the chicken bursal follicle. This dendritic cell has a classical secretory machinery; therefore, it has been named a bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC). The corticomedullary epithelial arch (CMEA) encloses lymphoid-like cells, which can proliferate and after entering the medulla, begin to differentiate to immature, then mature BSDC, which discharges glycoprotein (gp). With the exhaustion of gp production, the BSDC rapidly transforms into a macrophage-like cell (Mal), which is an activated endocytic cell of innate immunity. The Mal drifts through the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE)-supporting cells into the FAE, and via FAE, the Mal is eliminated in the bursal lumen. The infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection accelerates the maturation process of BSDC precursors, which results in acute emptying of CMEA and subsequently, numerous immature BSDC(s) emerge. The IBDV infection stops the gp discharge, and the gp appears in the virus-containing Mal. The Movat pentachrome staining recognizes the gp in the extracellular spaces of the medulla and after infection in the Mal. The BSDC is the primary target of the IBDV. During IBDV infection, a large number of suddenly formed Mal actively migrate into the cortex, initiating cytokine storm and recruiting heterophil granulocytes. During embryogenesis, the vimentin-positive, possibly embryonic dendritic cells provide a microenvironment for carbohydrate switch. Around hatching, these embryonic, temporary dendritic cells get the Fc receptor, which bind maternal IgY. The posthatched forms of BSDC(s) gradually replace the embryonic ones and bind their own IgY.

Glycoprotein Production by Bursal Secretory Dendritic Cells in Normal, Vaccinated, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV)-Infected Chickens

The aim of this study is to follow the gp production in IBDV-vaccinated and challenged birds. The progress of IBDV infection was monitored using anti-VP2 immunocytochemistry, light and transmission electron microscopy. In the medulla of the bursal follicle, the Movat pentachrome staining discovered an extracellular glycoprotein (gp) produced by bursal secretory dendritic cells (BSDCs). The secretory granules of BSDCs either discharge resulting in extracellular gp or fuse together forming intracellular corpuscles. The double fate of granules suggests a dual function of BSDCs: (a.) For the discharged granules, gp contributes to the medullary microenvironment (ME). (b.) The intracellular corpuscles may be the sign of BSDC transformation to a macrophage-like cell (Mal). Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection accelerates the BSDC transformation to Mal. The decreased number of BSDCs is feedback for the precursor cells of BSDCs lodging in the cortico-medullary epithelial arches (CMEA), where they proliferate. Opening the CMEA, the precursor cells enter the medulla, and differentiate to immature BSDCs. The virus uptake in the corpuscles prevents the granular discharge resulting in the absence of gp and alteration in ME. In vaccine-take birds, the mitotic rate of BSDC precursor cells cannot restore the precursor pool; therefore, in the case of IBDV challenge, the number of newly formed BSDCs is too low for outbreak of clinical disease. The BSDCs, as a primary target of IBDV, may contribute to the long-lasting immunosuppressive status of IBDV-infected chickens.

The bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC) and the enigmatic chB6+ macrophage-like cell (Mal)

The bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC) was discovered more than 40 yr ago. It is a highly polarized, granulated cell, locating in the medulla of bursal follicle. The cytoplasmic granules either discharge or fuse together forming large, irregular-shaped, dense bodies. Formation of the dense bodies could be the first sign of BSDC transformation to macrophage-like cell (Mal) which is the result of terminal maturation of BSDC. The BSDC is non-phagocytic, unlike Mal. The discharged substance may be attached to the cell membrane (membrane-bound form) and after detaching, appears as a flocculated substance in the extracellular space of medulla. Movat pentachrome staining shows, that this substance is a glycoprotein (gp), which may be contributed to the microenvironment of the medulla. Medullary lymphocytes are floating in the gp. Precursors of the BSDC locate in the corticomedullary epithelial arches, which operate under the effect of Notch/Serrate signaling. The Notch signaling determines the fate of lymphoblast-like precursor cells and inhibits the appearance of immunoglobulin heavy chain. In the arches, the precursor cells proliferate and entering the medulla differentiate. The dense bodies pack the virus particles, which prevents the granular discharge, resulting in disappearance of extracellular gp, but gp emerges inside the virus containing Mal. In infected birds, the Mal contains either apoptotic cells or virus particles. If vaccination or infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection use up the BSDC precursors, the recovery of follicle is critical.

Infection of bursal disease virus abrogates the extracellular glycoprotein in the follicular medulla

In the medulla of bursal follicle, only the secretory dendritic cell (BSDC) is furnished with secretory machinery. The granular discharge of BSDC appears in membrane-bound and solubilized forms. Movat pentachrome staining proves that the solubilized form is a glycoprotein, which fills up the extracellular space of follicular medulla. The glycoprotein contributes to bursal microenvironment and may be attached to the surface of medullary lymphocytes. The secretory granules of BSDC may be fused, resulting in large, irregular dense bodies, which are the first sign of BSDC transformation to macrophage-like cells (Mal). To determine the effect of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection on the extracellular glycoprotein and BSDC, SPF chickens were experimentally infected with IBDV. On the surface of BSDC, the secretory substance is in high concentration, which may contribute to primary binding of IBDV to BSDC. The early distribution of IBDV infected cells is in consent with that BSDC. The IBDV infected BSDC rapidly transforms to Mal in which the glycoprotein staining appears. In the dense bodies, the packed virus particles inhibit the virus particles preventing the granular discharge, which may represent the first, early phase of virus replication cycle. The absence of extracellular glycoprotein results in alteration in the medullary microenvironment and subsequently B cell apoptosis. On the surface of medullary B cells, the solubilized secretory substance can be in much lower concentration, which results in secondary binding of IBDV to B cells. In secondary, late phase of virus replication cycle, the virus particles are not packed in electron dense substance which results in cytolytic lymphocytes and presence of virus in extracellular space. The Mal emigrates into the cortex, where induces inflammation, recruiting heterophil granulocyte and monocyte.

NF-κB Activation in Lymphoid Malignancies: Genetics, Signaling, and Targeted Therapy

The NF-κB transcription factor family plays a crucial role in lymphocyte proliferation and survival. Consequently, aberrant NF-κB activation has been described in a variety of lymphoid malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and adult T-cell leukemia. Several factors, such as persistent infections (e.g., with Helicobacter pylori), the pro-inflammatory microenvironment of the cancer, self-reactive immune receptors as well as genetic lesions altering the function of key signaling effectors, contribute to constitutive NF-κB activity in these malignancies. In this review, we will discuss the molecular consequences of recurrent genetic lesions affecting key regulators of NF-κB signaling. We will particularly focus on the oncogenic mechanisms by which these alterations drive deregulated NF-κB activity and thus promote the growth and survival of the malignant cells. As the concept of a targeted therapy based on the mutational status of the malignancy has been supported by several recent preclinical and clinical studies, further insight in the function of NF-κB modulators and in the molecular mechanisms governing aberrant NF-κB activation observed in lymphoid malignancies might lead to the development of additional treatment strategies and thus improve lymphoma therapy.

NF-kappaB: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor family that regulates a large number of genes that are involved in important physiological processes, including survival, inflammation, and immune responses. More recently, constitutive expression of NF-κB has been associated with several types of cancer. In addition, microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, cooperate in the activation of NF-κB in tumors, confirming the multifactorial role of this transcription factor as a cancer driver. Recent reports have shown that the NF-κB signaling pathway should receive attention for the development of therapies. In addition to the direct effects of NF-κB in cancer cells, it might also impact immune cells that can both promote or prevent tumor development. Currently, with the rise of cancer immunotherapy, the link among immune cells, inflammation, and cancer is a major focus, and NF-κB could be an important regulator for the success of these therapies. This review discusses the contrasting roles of NF-κB as a regulator of pro- and antitumor processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Isolation of a reticuloendotheliosis-like virus from naturally occurring lymphoreticular tumours of domestic goose

Naturally occurring lymphoreticular tumours were found in an adult goose flock. Diffuse and/or nodular lymphoma-like tumours occurred in the spleen, liver, pancreas, intestines and rarely in other internal organs. Osteopetrosis-like lesions and signs of other diseases such as amidostomosis, enteritis, arthritis and air sacculitis were also observed. The tumourous lesions consisted of proliferations of undifferentiated lymphoblasts and slightly differentiated plasmablasts of the bursal system of lymphocytes. Tumour cell proliferation was usually associated with parenchymal atrophy and occasionally with amyloid depositions along the walls of capillaries of the spleen and the liver. In tissue cultures, chloroform sensitive, typical C-type virus particles of about 100 nm were isolated. The isolate incorporated 3H-uridine, banded at about 1.19 to 1.20 g/cm(3) in sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and was shown to be antigenically related to the reticuloendotheliosis group of avian retroviruses. In transmission experiments with chickens and geese, one of the four tested reticuloendotheliosis virus-positive cellular field materials caused a highly lethal neoplastic disease similar in cytology to that seen in the natural disease outbreak within four weeks after infection. The other three cellular field materials and the tissue-culture-propagated virus isolates induced either a runting disease syndrome or a similar chronic neoplasia to that found in the naturally diseased geese during an experimental period of 30 weeks. Reticuloendotheliosis virus was reisolated from the experimentally inoculated birds, and antibodies to the T strain of reticuloendotheliosis virus were also demonstrated in sera of surviving chickens. Neither Marek's disease virus nor avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses could be demonstrated in tissue cultures or in chickens of transmission experiments. The reported transmissible lymphoreticular tumours of domestic goose seem to be associated with infection of a new isolate of the reticuloendotheliosis group of viruses designated as Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Hungary-2 (REV-H-2).

CAPERalpha is a novel Rel-TAD-interacting factor that inhibits lymphocyte transformation by the potent Rel/NF-kappaB oncoprotein v-Rel

The Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors are constitutively activated in many human cancers. The Rel proteins in this family are implicated in leukemia/lymphomagenesis, but the mechanism is not completely understood. Previous studies showed that the transcription activation domains (TADs) of the viral oncoprotein v-Rel and its cellular Rel/NF-kappaB homologues c-Rel and RelA are key determinants of their different transforming activities in primary lymphocytes. Substitution of a Rel TAD for that of RelA conferred a strong transforming phenotype upon RelA, which otherwise failed to transform cells. To gain insights into protein interactions that influence cell transformation by the Rel TADs, we identified factors that interact with the TAD of v-Rel, the most oncogenic member of the Rel/NF-kappaB family. We report that the coactivator for transcription factors AP-1 and estrogen receptors, CAPERalpha, interacts with the v-Rel TAD and potently synergizes v-Rel-mediated transactivation. Importantly, coexpression of CAPERalpha markedly reduced and delayed v-Rel's transforming activity in primary lymphocytes, whereas a dominant-negative mutant enhanced the kinetics of v-Rel-mediated transformation. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of CAPERalpha in v-Rel-transformed lymphocytes significantly enhanced colony formation in soft agar. Since the potency of Rel-mediated transactivation is an important determinant of lymphocyte transformation, as is Rel's ability to induce transcriptional repression, these data suggest that CAPERalpha's interaction with the Rel TAD could modulate Rel/NF-kappaB's transforming activity by facilitating expression or dampening repression of specific gene subsets important for oncogenesis. Overall, this study identifies CAPERalpha as a new transcriptional coregulator for v-Rel and reveals an important role in modulating Rel's oncogenic activity.

Repression of B-cell linker (BLNK) and B-cell adaptor for phosphoinositide 3-kinase (BCAP) is important for lymphocyte transformation by rel proteins

Persistent Rel/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity is a hallmark of many human cancers, and the Rel proteins are implicated in leukemia/lymphomagenesis but the mechanism is not fully understood. Microarray analysis to identify transformation-impacting genes regulated by NF-kappaB's oncogenic v-Rel and c-Rel proteins uncovered that Rel protein expression leads to transcriptional repression of key B-cell receptor (BCR) components and signaling molecules like B-cell linker (BLNK), the B-cell adaptor for phosphoinositide 3-kinase (BCAP) and immunoglobulin lambda light chain (Ig lambda), and is accompanied by a block in BCR-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Akt, and c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase in response to anti-IgM. The BLNK and BCAP proteins were also down-regulated in lymphoid cells expressing a transformation-competent chimeric RelA/v-Rel protein, suggesting a correlation with the capacity of Rel proteins to transform lymphocytes. DNA-binding studies identified functional NF-kappaB-binding sites, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) data showed binding of Rel to the endogenous blnk and bcap promoters in vivo. Importantly, restoration of either BLNK or BCAP expression strongly inhibited transformation of primary chicken lymphocytes by the potent NF-kappaB oncoprotein v-Rel. These findings are interesting because blnk and other BCR components and signaling molecules are down-regulated in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas and Hodgkin's lymphomas, which depend on c-Rel for survival, and are consistent with the tumor suppressor function of BLNK. Overall, our results indicate that down-regulation of BLNK and BCAP is an important contributing factor to the malignant transformation of lymphocytes by Rel and suggest that gene repression may be as important as transcriptional activation for Rel's transforming activity.

Research on infectious bursal disease--the past, the present and the future

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus (IBDV) is the etiological agent of "Gumboro disease". Although first observed about 40 years ago, this disease continues to pose an important threat to the commercial poultry industry. The emergence of antigenic variant as well as very virulent strains in vaccinated flocks considerably stimulated research efforts on both, IBD and IBDV. In this review, some of the recent advances in the understanding of the structure, morphogenesis and molecular biology of the virus as well as in development of new diagnostic approaches and new strategies for vaccination against IBD are briefly summarized.

Inhibition of Eimeria tenella replication after recombinant IFN-gamma activation in chicken macrophages, fibroblasts and epithelial cells

We have previously shown that activation of primary cultures of chicken bone-marrow macrophages and embryo fibroblasts with supernatants of concanavaline A-stimulated or reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV)-transformed chicken spleen cells as source of IFN-gamma significantly decreases Eimeria tenella growth in vitro. In the present study, we used various chicken cell lines, HD11 macrophages and DU24 fibroblasts, both virally transformed, CHCC-OU2 fibroblasts and LMH hepatic epithelial cells, both chemically transformed, to replicate E. tenella in vitro. We confirmed the previous results by showing that HD11 macrophages pre-treated for 24h with recombinant chicken IFN-gamma (either produced in E. coli or by transfected COS cells), at doses ranging from 1000 to 10U/ml, drastically inhibited E. tenella replication as measured by [3H] uracil uptake after a further 70h of culture, as when treated with REV supernatant. Likewise the fibroblast and epithelial cell lines exhibited significant inhibitory activity on E. tenella replication after pre-treatment with recombinant chicken IFN-gamma, but were less sensitive (1000-100U/ml) than when treated with REV supernatant. Recombinant chicken IFN-alpha pre-treatment of all cell lines had no inhibitory effect on parasite development.

In vivo macrophage activation in chickens with Acemannan, a complex carbohydrate extracted from Aloe vera

Acemannan (ACM 1), a beta-(1,4) -acetylated mannan isolated from Aloe vera, can be used as an effective adjuvant in vaccination against some avian viral diseases. Our results demonstrate a quick and lasting in vivo priming effect of ACM 1 on macrophage response after intramuscular inoculation in chickens (500 microg per 2-month-old bird). In response to IFN-gamma in vitro, monocytes from ACM 1-treated chickens exhibited a strong enhancement of NO production from 3 to 9 days p.i., but a weaker effect on MHC II cell surface antigen expression on day 3 p.i. A stimulating effect of ACM 1 treatment was also observed on spontaneous and inducible NO production for splenocytes only on day 3 p.i. By that time, splenocytes exhibited a strong higher capacity to proliferate in response to the T cell-mitogen PHA. At the same time, the in vivo capacity to produce NO, measured by the (NO(-)(2)+NO(-)(3)) serum level after intravenous LPS injection, increased greatly from 3 to 9 days p.i. In conclusion, ACM 1 was able efficiently and durably to increase the activation capacity of macrophages from the systemic immune compartment (in particular from the blood and spleen after an intramuscular injection) in chickens, especially for NO production. These findings provide a better understanding of the adjuvant activity of ACM 1 for viral and tumoral diseases.

Multiple mutations contribute to the oncogenicity of the retroviral oncoprotein v-Rel

The avian Rev-T retrovirus encodes the v-Rel oncoprotein, which is a member of the Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factor family. v-Rel induces a rapidly fatal lymphoma/leukemia in young birds, and v-Rel can transform and immortalize a variety of avian cell types in vitro. Although Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors have been associated with oncogenesis in mammals, v-Rel is the only member of this family that is frankly oncogenic in animal model systems. The potent oncogenicity of v-Rel is the consequence of a number of mutations that have altered its activity and regulation: for example, certain mutations decrease its ability to be regulated by IkappaBalpha, change its DNA-binding site specificity, and endow it with new transactivation properties. The study of v-Rel will continue to increase our knowledge of how cellular Rel proteins contribute to oncogenesis by affecting cell growth, altering cell-cycle regulation, and blocking apoptosis. This review will discuss biological and molecular activities of v-Rel, with particular attention to how these activities relate to structure - function aspects of the Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors.

Mapping of a serine-rich domain essential for the transcriptional, antiapoptotic, and transforming activities of the v-Rel oncoprotein

The v-Rel oncoprotein belongs to the Rel/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors and induces aggressive lymphomas in chickens and transgenic mice. Current models for cell transformation by v-Rel invoke the combined activation of gene expression and the dominant inhibition of transcription mediated by its cellular homologs. Here, we mapped a serine-rich transactivation domain in the C terminus of v-Rel that is necessary for its biological activity. Specific serine-to-alanine substitutions within this region impaired the transcriptional activity of v-Rel, whereas a double mutant abolished its function. In contrast, substitutions with phosphomimetic aspartate residues led to a complete recovery of the transcriptional potential. The transforming activity of v-Rel mutants correlated with their ability to inhibit programmed cell death. The transforming and antiapoptotic activities of v-Rel were abolished by defined Ser-to-Ala mutations and restored by most Ser-to-Asp substitutions. However, one Ser-to-Asp mutant showed wild-type transactivation ability but failed to block apoptosis and to transform cells. These results show that the transactivation function of v-Rel is necessary but not sufficient for cell transformation, adding an important dimension to the transformation model. It is possible that defined protein-protein interactions are also required to block apoptosis and transform cells. Since v-Rel is an acutely oncogenic member of the Rel/NF-kappaB family, our data raise the possibility that phosphorylation of its serine-rich transactivation domain may regulate its unique biological activity.

Regulation of eosinophil-specific gene expression by a C/EBP-Ets complex and GATA-1

The EOS47 antigen is an early and specific marker of eosinophil differentiation in the chicken haematopoietic system. To elucidate the transciptional events controlling commitment to the eosinophil lineage, we studied the regulation of the eosinophil-specific EOS47 promoter. This promoter is TATA-less, and binds trancription factors of the Ets, C/EBP, GATA and Myb families. These sites are contained within a 309 bp promoter fragment which is sufficient for specific high level transcription in an eosinophil cell line. Co-transfection experiments in Q2bn fibroblasts showed cooperative activation of the EOS47 proximal promoter by c-Myb, Ets-1/Fli-1, GATA-1 and C/EBPalpha. The Ets-1/Fli-1 and C/EBPalpha proteins were the most potent activators, and acted with high synergy through juxtaposed binding sites located approximately 60 bp upstream of the transcription start site. The Ets-1 and C/EBPalpha proteins were found to associate physically via their DNA-binding domains and to bind their combined binding site cooperatively. GATA-1 showed biphasic regulation of the EOS47 promoter, activating at low and repressing at high protein concentrations. These results demonstrate combinatorial activation of an eosinophil-specific promoter by ubiquitous and lineage-restricted haematopoietic transcription factors. They also indicate that direct interactions between C/EBPs and specific Ets family members, together with GATA-1, are important for eosinophil lineage determination.

AP-1 factors play an important role in transformation induced by the v-rel oncogene

v-rel is the oncogenic member of the Rel/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. The mechanism by which v-Rel induces transformation of avian lymphoid cells and fibroblasts is not precisely known. However, most models propose that v-rel disrupts the normal transcriptional regulatory network. In this study we evaluated the role of AP-1 family members in v-Rel-mediated transformation. The overexpression of v-Rel, c-Rel, and c-Rel delta resulted in a prolonged elevation of c-fos and c-jun expression and in a sustained repression of fra-2 at both the mRNA and protein levels in fibroblasts and lymphoid cells. Moreover, the transforming abilities of these Rel proteins correlated with their ability to alter the expression of these AP-1 factors. v-Rel exhibited the most pronounced effect, whereas c-Rel, with poor transforming ability, elicited only moderate changes in AP-1 levels. Furthermore, c-Rel delta, which exhibits enhanced transforming potential relative to c-Rel, induced intermediate changes in AP-1 expression. To directly evaluate the role of AP-1 family members in the v-Rel transformation process, a supjun-1 transdominant mutant was used. The supjun-1 mutant functions as a general inhibitor of AP-1 activity by inhibiting AP-1-mediated transactivation and by reducing AP-1 DNA-binding activity. Coinfection or sequential infection of fibroblasts or lymphoid cells with viruses carrying rel oncogenes and supjun-1 resulted in a reduction of the transformation efficiency of the Rel proteins. The expression of supjun-1 inhibited the ability of v-Rel transformed lymphoid cells and fibroblasts to form colonies in soft agar by over 70%. Furthermore, the expression of supjun-1 strongly interfered with the ability of v-Rel to morphologically transform avian fibroblasts. This is the first report showing that v-Rel might execute its oncogenic potential through modulating the activity of early response genes.

The homeobox gene GBX2, a target of the myb oncogene, mediates autocrine growth and monocyte differentiation

The homeobox gene GBX2 was identified as a target gene of the v-Myb oncoprotein encoded by the avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV). GBX2 activation by c-Myb requires signal transduction emanating from the cell surface while the leukemogenic AMV v-Myb constitutively induces the GBX2 gene. Mutations in the DNA binding domain of AMV-Myb render it independent of signaling events and concomitantly abrogate the collaboration between Myb and CCAAT Enhancer Binding Proteins (C/EBP), which are involved in granulocyte differentiation. Ectopic expression of GBX2 in growth factor-dependent myeloblasts induces monocytic features and independence from exogenous cytokines, reflecting distinct features of AMV-transformed cells. Our results suggest that Myb or factors it interacts with contribute to hematopoietic lineage choice and differentiation in a signal transduction-dependent fashion.

Structure and erythroid cell-restricted expression of a chicken cDNA encoding a novel zinc finger protein of the Cys + His class

We report the cloning, sequence analysis and expression pattern of chGfi, a zinc finger protein (Zfp)-encoding cDNA that was isolated from a cDNA library constructed with RNA from avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV)-transformed primary chicken erythroblasts. The 1387-bp-long chGfi cDNA encodes a full-length 337-amino-acid (aa) protein that contains six zinc fingers (Zf) of the 2Cys + 2His class at its C-terminus. Immunoblotting experiments with extracts from bone marrow cells detected a 38-kDa protein that corresponds to the M(r) of 38,690 calculated for the protein deduced from chGfi. The chGfi protein is most homologous to the rat Gfi-1 showing a sequence similarity of 92% over the Zf region and only two exchanges within the N-terminal 19 aa that constitute the Gfi-1 repressor domain. Expression of chGfi is only detected in transformed primary erythroblasts, in erythroid cells of the primitive and definitive lineage and in bone marrow cells. chGfi activity does not vary significantly during differentiation of transformed primary erythroblasts of the definitive lineage. No chGfi expression is detected in cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages or in a total of nine different organs of adult origin. Our results indicate that chGfi expression is restricted to erythroid cells of the primitive and definitive lineage.

Constitutive and inducible kappa B binding activities in the cytosol of v-Rel-transformed lymphoid cells

Constitutive and inducible kapp B binding activities associated with v-Rel and c-Rel in the cytosol of v-Rel-transformed cells have been identified. These activities were resolved by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatographic techniques into a high-molecular-weight protein-DNA complex designated complex I containing v- and c-Rel and lower-molecular-weight complexes II, III and IV which contained only v-Rel and which were stimulated by nucleotides, low pH, and detergent. These experiments suggest that interaction of v-Rel and c-Rel decreases the DNA-binding activity of each.

Dendritic cell progenitor is transformed by a conditional v-Rel estrogen receptor fusion protein v-RelER

A conditional v-Rel estrogen receptor fusion protein, v-RelER, causes estrogen-dependent but otherwise unaltered v-rel-specific transformation of chicken bone marrow cells. Here, we demonstrate that such v-relER-transformed cells exhibit B lymphoid determinants in line with earlier studies on v-rel-transformed cells. However, following inactivation of v-RelER oncoprotein activity by administration of an estrogen antagonist, cells differentiate into antigen-presenting dendritic cells as judged by several morphological and functional criteria. Additionally, under yet different culture conditions, v-relER cells differentiate into cells resembling polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Our studies therefore suggest that the conditional v-RelER, and probably also the authentic v-Rel, transform a common progenitor for neutrophils and dendritic cells.

A mutant v-rel with increased ability to transform B lymphocytes

We observed that two strains of REV-T differ in the ability to transform bursal cells in vitro. REV-TW, with v-rel derived from a well-characterized clone and considered the prototype of the wild type, fails to generate colonies in soft agar. In contrast, REV-S2A3, derived from the S2A3 cell line, readily transforms bursal cells. With PCR, a 1,591-bp fragment containing v-rel from the REV-S2A3 provirus was cloned into plasmid pREV-0. Except for the absence of v-rel, pREV-0 is identical to pREV-TW. Five clones of pREV-PCR, each produced by an independent amplification, were obtained. The REV-PCR viruses displayed the strong transforming phenotype of REV-S2A3. Two mutations were identified in the 5' region of v-rel from REV-PCR1 to REV-PCR5: a silent mutation and a G-to-T transversion, changing the alanine at position 40 to serine. To confirm the relevance of this amino acid substitution, a 478-bp fragment containing the mutations was exchanged between REV-TW and REV-PCR1. Only the mutant viruses were able to form large colonies of bursal cells in liquid culture and to generate bursal cell colonies in soft agar. When tested on splenocytes, the wild-type viruses induced predominantly non-B-cell colonies while the mutant viruses gave origin mainly to B-cell colonies. The above results indicate that the substitution of serine for alanine at position 40 of v-Rel enhances the ability of REV-T to transform B lymphocytes in vitro. This mutation is close to the DNA-binding region, and the variant v-Rel oncoprotein shows increased kappa B-binding activity, thus confirming the relevance of this property for transformation.

Interaction of avian reovirus with chicken lymphoblastoid cell lines

Four chicken lymphoblastoid cell lines were inoculated with avian reovirus strain S1133 and two local isolates, 965 and 615. Of the inoculated cell lines, TLT, a B-cell line, was productively infected with the three viruses as demonstrated by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and radioimmunoprecipitation assay. A comparative growth curve analysis of the three avian reoviruses was done at 37 degrees and 41 degrees C. Isolate 965 replicated to a higher titre at both temperatures while the replication of S1133 and 615 was found to be inhibited at 41 degrees C. IFA revealed that among the transformed T lymphoblastoid cells used in this study, only MDCC-RP1 was permissive to virus infection with isolate 965, and at 41 degrees C, but not 37 degrees C.

Thymocyte apoptosis induced by elevated endogenous corticosterone levels

A well-known model of apoptosis is induction in thymocytes by injection of pharmacological doses of exogenous steroids. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this process also occurs under physiological conditions, i.e. by stimulation of endogenous glucocorticoid release, using the chicken as an experimental model. Endogenous glucocorticoid levels can be elevated by immunization with exogenous antigens or by injection of conditioned medium, e.g. supernatant of mitogen-stimulated spleen cells. This effect is mediated by so-called glucocorticoid-increasing factors, and is considered to act as an immunoregulatory principle. Thymocyte DNA of so treated birds showed a typical "ladder" pattern after electrophoresis in a 1.8% agarose gel, and degradation could be prevented by RU 38,486. This provides evidence that apoptosis can be induced by elevating endogenous corticosterone levels in vivo. By means of in situ nick translation (ISNT) and simultaneous immunofluorescence tests, it was possible to analyze various thymic subpopulations during apoptosis after treatment with exogenous glucocorticoids. Additionally, using confocal microscopical techniques, apoptosis of the same cells as analyzed by ISNT is shown. The possible role of elevated concentrations of endogenous glucocorticoids in regulating thymocyte cell death and autoimmune diseases is discussed.

Structure and regulation of the chicken erythroid delta-aminolevulinate synthase gene

Erythroid cells regulate heme biosynthesis in a manner that is distinct from all other cell types. While heme negatively regulates the synthesis of the housekeeping delta-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS-N) in all non-erythroid cells, the expression of an erythroid-specific isozyme (ALAS-E) is developmentally regulated in red blood cells. As a first step towards understanding the molecular basis for the transcriptional regulation of ALAS-E during erythropoiesis, we cloned and characterized the chicken ALAS-E locus. This gene spans 18 kbp and is composed of eleven exons. The intron/exon structure of erythroid ALAS was found to be conserved among several vertebrate species. Direct RNA sequencing identified a 5' untranslated region that is derived from two continuous exons and is predicted to form a very stable stem-loop structure that bears resemblance to the ferritin iron-responsive element. Tissue-specific expression of the ALAS-E gene was analyzed by transient transfection assays in hematopoietic cells of both erythroid and non-erythroid origins. These experiments identified distal (-784 to -505 bp) and proximal (-155 to +21 bp) promoter elements which are required for high level, erythroid-specific transcription.

High levels of c-rel expression are associated with programmed cell death in the developing avian embryo and in bone marrow cells in vitro

To determine the physiological processes in which the transcription factor c-Rel may act, we have examined its pattern of expression in the avian embryo by in situ hybridization. These studies showed that c-rel is expressed ubiquitously at low levels and at high levels in isolated cells undergoing programmed cell death by apoptosis or autophagocytosis. To further establish a functional link between expression of c-rel and cell death, we examined the biological consequences of c-rel overexpression in vitro. In primary avian fibroblasts, overexpression of c-rel leads to transformation and dramatic life span extension. In contrast, bone marrow cells expressing high levels of c-rel undergo a process of programmed cell death displaying features of both apoptosis and autophagocytic cell death. Thus, these experiments suggest a critical role for c-rel not only in the control of cell proliferation, but also in the induction of cell death.

Expression of the chicken GATA factor family during early erythroid development and differentiation

The DNA motif WGATAR has been identified within transcriptional regulatory domains of globin and other erythroid-specific genes and the activator proteins that bind to this regulatory element, the GATA factors, belong to a multi-gene family that is expressed in chicken erythroid cells. Here we show that, as in chickens, multiple members of the GATA factor family are expressed in human and murine erythroid cells. During the early stages of chicken embryogenesis (well before blood island formation), each of the GATA family members is transcribed with a unique temporal and spatial pattern. In the primitive erythroid lineage, transcription of the embryonic epsilon-globin gene parallels GATA-1 expression while the switch to beta-globin transcription in definitive erythroid cells is directly preceded by a pronounced increase in GATA-3 accumulation. The timing and pattern of expression of these different mRNAs during avian erythroid development and differentiation suggests that temporally regulated changes in GATA factor expression are required for vertebrate hematopoiesis.

Myb and NF-M: combinatorial activators of myeloid genes in heterologous cell types

The c-Myb transcription factor regulates the differentiation of immature erythroid, lymphoid, and myeloid cells, although only the latter cells become transformed by the v-myb oncogene. These are also the only cells that express the Myb-regulated gene mim-1, suggesting that Myb requires tissue-specific, cooperating factors to activate such genes. Here, we investigated the tissue-specific regulation of the mim-1 promoter and found that it not only contains binding sites for Myb but also for NF-M, a myeloid-specific transcription factor that probably corresponds to mammalian C/EBP beta. Both types of binding sites were found to be required for full activity of the promoter. Remarkably, ectopic coexpression of Myb and NF-M proteins in erythroid cells or fibroblasts was sufficient to induce endogenous markers of myeloid differentiation, like the mim-1 and lysozyme genes. Our results indicate that c-Myb and NF-M proteins act as a bipartite, combinatorial signal that regulates the expression of myeloid-specific genes, even in heterologous cell types.

Retroviral transformation in vitro of chicken T cells expressing either alpha/beta or gamma/delta T cell receptors by reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T

Exposure of normal juvenile chicken bone marrow cells to the replication defective avian reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T (REV-T) (chicken syncytial virus [CSV]) in vitro resulted in the generation of transformed cell lines containing T cells. The transformed T cells derived from bone marrow included cells expressing either alpha/beta or gamma/delta T cell receptors (TCRs) in proportions roughly equivalent to the proportions of TCR-alpha/beta and TCR-gamma/delta T cells found in the normal bone marrow in vivo. Essentially all TCR-alpha/beta-expressing transformed bone marrow-derived T cells expressed CD8, whereas few, if any, expressed CD4. In contrast, among TCR-gamma/delta T cells, both CD8+ and CD8- cells were derived, all of which were CD4-. Exposure of ex vivo spleen cells to REV-T(CSV) yielded transformed polyclonal cell lines containing > 99% B cells. However, REV-T(CSV) infection of mitogen-activated spleen cells in vitro resulted in transformed populations containing predominantly T cells. This may be explained at least in part by in vitro activation resulting in dramatically increased levels of T cell REV-T(CSV) receptor expression. In contrast to REV-T(CSV)-transformed lines derived from normal bone marrow, transformed lines derived from activated spleen cells contained substantial numbers of CD4+ cells, all of which expressed TCR-alpha/beta. While transformed T cells derived from bone marrow were stable for extended periods of in vitro culture and were cloned from single cells, transformed T cells from activated spleen were not stable and could not be cloned. We have therefore dissociated the initial transformation of T cells with REV-T(CSV) from the requirements for long-term growth. These results provide the first demonstration of efficient in vitro transformation of chicken T lineage cells by REV-T(CSV). Since productive infection with REV-T(CSV) is not sufficient to promote long-term growth of transformed cells, these results further suggest that immortalization depends not only upon expression of the v-rel oncogene but also on intracellular factor(s) whose expression varies according to the state of T cell physiology and/or activation.

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte response in reticuloendotheliosis virus-infected chickens is mediated by alpha beta and not by gamma delta T cells

We induced a virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in B2 chickens by i.v. inoculation with 100 TCID50 of the reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). Chickens were sacrificed 7 days after the infection and cytotoxic activity of the spleen cells against various target cells was assayed in a 4 h 51Cr-release assay at an effector to target ratio of 100:1. In addition, T cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta and TCR gamma delta cells were negatively selected from the REV-immune spleen cells and used as effector cells against REV-infected B2 target cells. (On average 40% of spleen T cells express TCR gamma delta in the chicken.) By inhibition of the cytotoxic activity of the immune spleen cells against REV-infected syngeneic target cells with monoclonal antibodies specific for chicken CD3 and CD8 molecules, the effector cells could be identified as CD8+ T cells. The cytotoxic activity was MHC-restricted, as only syngeneic but not allogeneic REV-infected target cells were lysed by REV-immune spleen cells, and virus-specific, as no cytotoxic activity could be found using uninfected syngeneic target cells. When assaying the activity of the negatively selected, > 98% pure alpha beta and gamma delta T cells, it was found that alpha beta T cells exerted virus-specific CTL activity ranging from 26 to 62% specific 51Cr-release, while gamma delta T cells showed only 2-4% 51Cr-release. These data indicate that REV-specific CTL response is mediated by alpha beta T cells and that gamma delta T cells are not involved in virus-specific CTL activity in the spleen of REV-infected chickens.

The v-rel oncogene: insights into the mechanism of transcriptional activation, repression, and transformation

The v-rel oncogene product from the avian reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T corresponds to a member of the Rel-related family of enhancer-binding proteins that includes both the mammalian 50- and 65-kDa subunits of the NF-kappa B transcription factor complex. However, in contrast to NF-kappa B, v-Rel has been shown to function as a dominant-negative repressor of kappa B-dependent transcription in many mature cell types. We now demonstrate that a highly conserved motif within the Rel homology domain of v-Rel containing a consensus protein kinase A phosphorylation site is required for DNA binding, transcriptional repression, and cellular transformation mediated by this oncoprotein. However, replacement of the serine phosphate acceptor within the protein kinase A site with an alanine did not alter any of these functions of v-Rel, suggesting that phosphorylation at this site is not central to the regulation of this oncogene product. Rather, the inactive mutations appear to identify a functional domain within v-Rel required for these various biological activities. It is notable that these same mutations do not impair the ability of v-Rel to heterodimerize with the 50-kDa subunit of NF-kappa B, suggesting that v-Rel-mediated transcriptional repression likely involves direct nuclear blockade of the kappa B enhancer rather than indirect alterations in the composition of preformed cytoplasmic NF-kappa B complexes. Paradoxically, when introduced into undifferentiated F9 cells, v-Rel functions as a kappa B-specific transcriptional activator rather than as a dominant-negative repressor. These stimulatory effects of v-Rel require both the conserved protein kinase A phosphorylation site and additional unique C-terminal sequences not needed for v-Rel-mediated repression in mature cells. Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of these F9 cells restores the repressor function of v-Rel. These opposing biological actions of v-Rel occurring in cells at distinct stages of differentiation may have important implications for the mechanism of v-Rel-mediated transformation occurring in avian splenocytes.

Chicken "erythroid" cells transformed by the Gag-Myb-Ets-encoding E26 leukemia virus are multipotent

The E26 avian leukemia virus encodes a transcriptional activator-type oncoprotein consisting of Gag, Myb, and Ets domains, and transforms early erythroid cells as well as myeloblasts. Surprisingly, we have found that "early erythroid" transformants obtained in culture are multipotent, since they can be induced to differentiate into myeloblasts and eosinophils after superinfection with retroviruses containing kinase-type or ras oncogenes. In addition, TPA is an efficient inducer that generates predominantly eosinophils at low concentrations and myeloblasts at high concentrations. The determination process involves the complete extinction of erythroid/thrombocytic markers and the subsequent activation of myelomonocytic/eosinophilic properties, including the acquisition of specific growth factor requirements. "Erythroleukemic" cells from virus-infected animals were likewise found to be multipotent, making this a unique system to study the genesis of stem cell leukemias and the molecular basis of lineage commitment during hematopoiesis.

Structure of the chicken myelomonocytic growth factor gene and specific activation of its promoter in avian myelomonocytic cells by protein kinases

In chicken myeloid cells but not in erythroid cells, kinase-type oncogenes activate expression of the chicken myelomonocytic growth factor (cMGF). The autocrine loop established this way plays a key role in lineage-specific cooperation of nuclear and kinase-type oncogenes in retrovirally induced myeloid leukemia. In this report, we describe the cloning of the cMGF gene, including its promoter. The structure of the cMGF gene is homologous to those of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 genes. Expression from reporter constructs containing the cMGF promoter is specific to myelomonocytic cells. Kinases activate cMGF at the transcriptional level in macrophages and strongly induce reporter expression in myelomonocytic cells.

Structure of the chicken myelomonocytic growth factor gene and specific activation of its promoter in avian myelomonocytic cells by protein kinases

In chicken myeloid cells but not in erythroid cells, kinase-type oncogenes activate expression of the chicken myelomonocytic growth factor (cMGF). The autocrine loop established this way plays a key role in lineage-specific cooperation of nuclear and kinase-type oncogenes in retrovirally induced myeloid leukemia. In this report, we describe the cloning of the cMGF gene, including its promoter. The structure of the cMGF gene is homologous to those of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 genes. Expression from reporter constructs containing the cMGF promoter is specific to myelomonocytic cells. Kinases activate cMGF at the transcriptional level in macrophages and strongly induce reporter expression in myelomonocytic cells.

The v-rel oncogene of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus transforms immature and mature lymphoid cells of the B cell lineage in vitro

Heavy chain gene rearrangements were analyzed in 67 independently derived reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV-T) transformed avian lymphoid cell lines. The status of the heavy chain genes in these REV-T transformed cell lines was determined, in part, by the age of the chicken whose spleen cells were transformed. Cell lines derived by the in vitro transformation of splenic lymphocytes obtained from embryos did not contain heavy chain gene Ig rearrangements. By contrast, splenic lymphocytes transformed by REV-T obtained from birds 1 week or older generally exhibited heavy chain gene rearrangements. The REV-T transformed lymphoid cell lines with heavy chain rearrangements also had light chain gene rearrangements. The Ig gene rearrangements in REV-T transformed cells were functional. The majority of the cells which had heavy chain rearrangements expressed a 2.2-kb mu transcript and synthesized and secreted IgM. An REV-T transformant was also identified which produced IgG, suggesting that v-rel can transform a terminally differentiated cell. Irrespective of their Ig chain gene status the REV-T transformed cell lines expressed variable amounts of some but not all normal B cell-specific markers and failed to express T cell markers. All the cell lines analyzed expressed the B-L (Ia-like) antigen as well as a common leukocyte antigen. Based on the expression of these surface molecules, the transformants with or without Ig gene rearrangements all appear to be committed to the B cell pathway.

Interaction of the v-rel protein with an NF-kappa B DNA binding site

The avian reticuloendotheliosis virus T contains within its genome the oncogene rel. The expression of this gene is responsible for the induction of lymphoid tumors in birds. Recently, the rel gene was shown to be related to the p50 DNA binding subunit of the transcription factor complex NF-kappa B. Binding sites for the NF-kappa B complex are found in the enhancer regions of a number of genes, including the immunoglobulin kappa gene and the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat. In this communication we identify an activity from avian reticuloendotheliosis virus T-transformed avian lymphoid cells that binds in an electrophoretic-mobility-shift assay to an NF-kappa B binding site from the kappa enhancer. This activity contains proteins immunologically related to rel, as detected by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against v-rel. In a DNA affinity precipitation assay using the NF-kappa B site from the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat, v-rel and several other proteins were identified. These data suggest that oncogenic transformation by v-rel is the result of an altered pattern of gene expression.

Reticuloendotheliosis virus REV-T(REV-A)-induced neoplasia: development of tumors within the T-lymphoid and myeloid lineages

Infection of 1-day-old chicks with reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T induces a neoplastic disease that kills the chicks 7 to 14 days postinfection. In association with reticuloendotheliosis-associated virus (REV-A), reticuloendotheliosis virus T (REV-T) induces tumors that are predominantly immunoglobulin M (IgM) negative. We examined a variety of REV-T(REV-A)-induced tumors and tumor-derived cell lines and concluded that the principal IgM-negative tumors that develop in REV-T(REV-A)-infected chicks are neither pre-B or pre-B-pre-T but rather mature T lymphoid and myeloid. Without exception, the immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain loci were in germ line configuration. Furthermore, the cell lines expressed neither sterile transcripts of the heavy- or light-chain immunoglobulin genes nor elevated levels of c-myb, two characteristics associated with murine pre-B lymphomas. Cell lines were also examined by using monoclonal antibodies for expression of a variety of cell surface markers expressed on B lymphocytes and/or T lymphocytes and/or myeloid cells. These reagents defined two types of IgM-negative tumor cell lines, one CIa+ CT-3+ (T lymphoid) and the other CIa+ CT-3-. By using the same approaches, tumor development was examined following REV-T(REV-A) infection at 1 and 3 weeks post-hatching of cyclophosphamide-treated chicks shown to be devoid of B-lymphoid cells. Again, the tumors that developed were either CIa+ CT-3+ (T lymphoid) or CIa+ CT-3-. Furthermore, the frequency and rate with which IgM-negative tumors developed in cyclophosphamide-treated chicks were not different from those observed in normal chicks. In 3-week-old cyclophosphamide-treated chicks, the presence of CIa+ CT-3- tumors bearing hematopoietic lineage markers, such as CLA-3 and 5M19, are most likely to have been derived from cells within the myeloid lineage.

Establishment and characterization of a chicken mononuclear cell line

A new chicken mononuclear cell line (MQ-NCSU) has been established. The starting material used to initiate this cell line was a transformed spleen from a female Dekalb XL chicken which had been experimentally challenged with the JM/102W strain of the Marek's disease virus. After homogenization, a single cell suspension of splenic cells was cultured using L.M. Hahn medium supplemented with 10 microM 2-mercaptoethanol. Under these culture conditions, a rapidly proliferating cell was observed and then expanded after performing limiting dilution cultures. These cells were moderately adherent and phagocytic for sheep red blood cells and Salmonella typhimurium. When tested against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) using the flow cytometry, MQ-NCSU cells stained readily with anti-chicken monocyte specific (K-1) mAb but did not stain with mAb detecting T-helper, T-cytotoxic/suppressor, and NK cells. MQ-NCSU cells expressed very high levels of Ia antigens and transferrin receptors. In addition, cell-free supernatant obtained from MQ-NCSU culture contained a factor which exhibited cytolytic activity against tumor cell targets. Based on their cultural, morphological, and functional characteristics and mAb reactivity profile, we conclude that MQ-NCSU cell line represents a malignantly-transformed cell which shares features characteristic of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage.

Activity and tissue-specific expression of the transcription factor NF-E1 multigene family

NF-E1, a DNA-binding protein that recognizes the general consensus motif WGATAR, is the first tissue-specific factor to be identified in erythroid cells. Using a probe from the murine GF-1 (NF-E1) cDNA clone, we isolated three homologous chicken cDNAs: One of these corresponds to an mRNA (NF-E1a) that is abundantly and exclusively expressed in erythroid cells; a second mRNA (NF-E1b) is also expressed in all developmental stages of erythroid cells but is additionally found in a limited subset of other chicken tissues; mRNA representative of a third gene (NF-E1c) is expressed only in definitive (adult) erythrocytes within the red cell lineage but is also abundantly expressed in T lymphocytes and brain. All NF-E1 proteins are highly conserved within the DNA-binding domain and bind to the consensus motif with similar affinities in vitro; they are also all stimulatory trans-acting factors in vivo. The factors differ quantitatively in their ability to trans-activate reporter genes in which the number and position of cognate binding sites is varied relative to the transcriptional initiation site. These data suggest that the NF-E1 consensus motif directs a broader and more complicated array of developmental transcriptional regulatory processes than has been assumed and that NF-E1c may play a unique regulatory role in the developing chicken brain and in T lymphocytes.

Characterization of a novel promoter insertion in the c-rel locus

Avian leukosis virus (ALV)-induced neoplasias are commonly found associated with integrations of proviral DNA in proximity to the myc gene. However, studies suggest that other genetic events are necessary for the complete neoplastic phenotype. A cell line (HP46) derived from an ALV-induced tumor has been analyzed and found to contain, in addition to an alteration in the myc gene, a promoter insertion in the c-rel locus. Both loci expressed large amounts of mRNA coding for their respective proteins. Several rel-related transcripts were expressed in the HP46 line, and four rel-related proteins of lower molecular weight than the wild-type p68c-rel product were detected. At least two of these transcripts contained U5 long terminal repeat sequences on the 5' end of the RNA. Structural data suggest that the messages may have evolved by an alternative splicing mechanism. This is the first example of a promoter insertion in the c-rel locus, a gene whose viral counterpart v-rel is responsible for the induction of lymphoid tumors.

Characterization of a novel promoter insertion in the c-rel locus

Avian leukosis virus (ALV)-induced neoplasias are commonly found associated with integrations of proviral DNA in proximity to the myc gene. However, studies suggest that other genetic events are necessary for the complete neoplastic phenotype. A cell line (HP46) derived from an ALV-induced tumor has been analyzed and found to contain, in addition to an alteration in the myc gene, a promoter insertion in the c-rel locus. Both loci expressed large amounts of mRNA coding for their respective proteins. Several rel-related transcripts were expressed in the HP46 line, and four rel-related proteins of lower molecular weight than the wild-type p68c-rel product were detected. At least two of these transcripts contained U5 long terminal repeat sequences on the 5' end of the RNA. Structural data suggest that the messages may have evolved by an alternative splicing mechanism. This is the first example of a promoter insertion in the c-rel locus, a gene whose viral counterpart v-rel is responsible for the induction of lymphoid tumors.

The v-rel oncogene product is complexed with cellular proteins including its proto-oncogene product and heat shock protein 70

The oncogene product, pp59v-rel, of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV-T) is complexed in the cytosol of REV-T transformed lymphoid cells with cellular proteins. Monoclonal antibodies and antisera directed against different regions of pp59v-rel coimmunoprecipitate five cellular proteins (p124, p115, p75, p70, and p40) in addition to pp59v-rel. Cellular proteins with the same apparent molecular mass also copurify with pp59v-rel during sequential Sephacryl S200 and immunoaffinity chromatography. Antisera directed against the most abundant cellular protein in the complex, pp40, coimmunoprecipitate pp59v-rel and several cellular proteins with the same apparent molecular mass. The 75-kDa protein in the pp59v-rel complex is the product of c-rel proto-oncogene and is weakly phosphorylated. In MSB-1 cells this protein is not detectably phosphorylated or associated with cellular proteins. The 70-kDa protein in the pp59v-rel containing cytosolic complex is the constitutive form of avian heat shock protein 70 (HSC70). The p70 protein coimmunoprecipitates and copurifies with pp59v-rel using antisera directed against pp59v-rel and coimmunoprecipitates with antisera specific for pp40. The p70 isolated from immune complexes containing pp59v-rel shares V8 protease fragments with HSC70.