title: Detection of reverse transcriptase activity in human breast tumors.
abstract: The function of reverse transcriptase (RT) in retroviruses is to copy their RNA genomes in DNA to be integrated into the host genome. We report a high purity preparation of this enzyme by adsorption onto poly(U)-sepharose. We analyzed RT activity with poly(rA)--oligo (dT)12-18, poly(dA)--oligo (dT)12-18, poly(rC)--oligo (dG)12-18 and poly(rCm)--oligo (dG)12-18 to obtain a more accurate pattern of RT. 8 out of 16 malignant breast samples were positive for RT activity, more specifically with poly(rC)--oligo (dG)12-18 and poly(rCm)--oligo (dG)12-18. The 5 non-malignant mammary samples tested were negative for RT activity. Assays with poly(rC)--oligo (dG)12-18 and poly(rCm)--oligo (dG)12-18. The 5 non- malignant mammary samples tested were negative for RT activity. Assays with N--nitroso--N--methylurea--induced rat mammary carcinomas were negative for RT activity.
authors: Laboratoire d' Immunologie et de Cancérologie, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors: C F
authors: CF
authors: Moyret
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Bernard
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Maurizis
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Chollet
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Plagne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*; D002460:Cell Line; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000201:enzymology; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000201:enzymology; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase