PRODUCTION, CHARACTERIZATION AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OF V-SKI IN CULTURED-CELLS

The v-ski oncogene was introduced into mammalian cells in order to stu dy its biochemical and biological properties. v-Ski, produced at relat ively high levels by mouse L cells stably transfected with this DNA, w as localized to the cell nucleus, was of correct apparent molecular ma ss, and was capable of complexing with DNA. Transient transfection of reporter plasmids into control or Ski producing mouse L cells revealed that Ski acts as a transcriptional activator of various transcription al regulatory elements, including CMVie, RSV LTR and SV40. These resul ts indicate that mouse L cells contain the nuclear cofactor(s) require d for the ability of v-Ski to bind to DNA and also suggest that the v- Ski present within the cells is functional. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.