Evidence for translation of viral-specific RNA in cells of a mouse mammary carcinoma.

A procedure is described permitting the detection of viral-specific RNA in a mouse mammary tumor. The method involves molecular hybridization with radioactively labeled DNA complementary to the RNA of the mouse mammary-tumor virus. RNA homologous to that of the mammary agent has been found in both the nuclear and polyribosomal fractions of tumor cells. The results imply that the oncogenic information is serving as messenger RNA that directs the synthesis of proteins required for virus production, and perhaps for the maintenance of the neoplastic state. The technology developed is immediately applicable to tumors of human origin.