DNA Synthesis by RNA-Containing Tumor Viruses

Murine leukemia (Rauscher and Moloney strains) and sarcoma (Kirsten strain) virions, as well as the mammary tumor virus of mice, contain an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Optimal incorporation of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates occurs at a critical detergent (Triton X-100) concentration (0.010-0.014%). At higher than optimal detergent concentrations the virion is seen to be disrupted and enzyme activity is lost. The virion, enzymatic activity, and newly synthesized DNA all cosediment in a sucrose gradient. Thus far the enzymatic activity has been found only in RNA viruses that have oncogenic properties.