Abstract
We show that human melanoma cells produce retrovirus-like particles that exhibit reverse transcriptase activity, package sequences homologous to human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K), and contain mature forms of the Gag and Env proteins. We also demonstrate expression of the pol gene and of Gag, Env, and Rec proteins in human melanomas and metastases but not in melanocytes or normal lymph nodes. The data suggest that expression of retroviral genes and production of retroviral particles is activated during development of melanoma.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Base Sequence
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Endogenous Retroviruses / genetics*
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Endogenous Retroviruses / isolation & purification
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Endogenous Retroviruses / metabolism
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Gene Products, env / biosynthesis
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Gene Products, gag / biosynthesis
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Gene Products, pol / biosynthesis
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Humans
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Lymphatic Metastasis
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Melanoma / metabolism
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Melanoma / secondary
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Melanoma / virology*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
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Skin Neoplasms / secondary
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Skin Neoplasms / virology
Substances
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Gene Products, env
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Gene Products, gag
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Gene Products, pol