Sequencing the <i>erb</i> A Gene of Avian Erythroblastosis Virus Reveals a New Type of Oncogene

Abstract

Avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV) contains two distinct oncogenes, erb A and erb B. The erb B oncogene, which is homologous to a portion of the epidermal growth factor receptor, is related to the src family of oncogenes and efficiently transforms erythroblasts, whereas erb A potentiates the effects of erb B by blocking the differentiation of erythroblasts at an immature stage. This "potentiator" was sequenced; the amino acid sequence deduced from it was clearly different from the sequences of other known oncogene products and was related to carbonic anhydrases. These enzymes participate in the transport of carbon dioxide by erythrocytes, the precursors of which are main targets of avian erythroblastosis virus. A src -related oncogene such as erb B in synergy with an activated specific cell-derived gene such as erb A can profoundly affect early erythroid differentiation.

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Affiliated Institutions

• Institut Pasteur FR
• Inserm FR
• Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille FR
• Institut Pasteur de Lille FR

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