Mutants of avian myelocytomatosis virus with smaller gag gene-related proteins have an altered transforming ability

Abstract
Avian myelocytomatosis virus strain MC29-transformed cells contain a gag-related protein of a 110,000 MW (p110), a fusion product comprised of gag gene-derived sequences, and sequences which are presumed to be coded by the adjacent mac gene. Three mutants of MC29 that synthesize smaller gag gene-related proteins had an altered ability to transform [chicken] bone marrow cells, but not fibroblasts. This demonstrates for the 1st time a direct involvement of the p110 protein of MC29 in transformation.