Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, a v-Jun targetgene, induces oncogenic transformation

Jun is a transcription factor belonging to the activator protein 1 family. A mutated version of Jun (v-Jun) transduced by the avian retrovirus ASV17 i nduces ontogenic transformation in avian cell cultures and sarcomas in youn g galliform birds. The oncogenicity of Jun probably results from transcript ional deregulation of vJun-responsive target genes, Here we describe the id entification and characterization of a growth-related v-Jun target, a homol og of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF). HB-EGF is strongly expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) transforme d by v-Jun, HB-EGF expression is not detectable or is marginal in nontransf ormed CEF, Using a hormone-inducible Jun-estrogen receptor chimera, we foun d that HB-EGF expression is correlated with v-Jun activity. In this system, induction of v-Jun is followed within 1 hr by elevated levels of HB-EGF. I n CEF infected with various Jun mutants, HB-EGF expression is correlated wi th the oncogenic potency of the mutant. Constitutive expression of HB-EGF c onveys to CEF the ability to grow in soft agar and to form multilayered foc i of transformed cells on a solid substrate, These observations suggest tha t WB-EGF is an effector of Jun-induced oncogenic transformation.