The spelling of "Friend murine leukaemia virus" is complicated due to its use of scientific terminology. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, this term is spelled /frɛnd myurin luːkimiə vaɪrəs/, with a rolled "r" sound in "murine" and a schwa sound in the second syllable of "leukaemia." The term refers to a type of virus that causes leukemia in mice, named after its discoverer, Charlotte Friend. Despite its challenging spelling, understanding and correctly using scientific terminology is crucial for researchers and professionals in the field.
Friend murine leukemia virus is a retrovirus belonging to the Gamma retrovirus genus and the Retroviridae family. It is commonly abbreviated as F-MuLV and is named after its discoverer, Charlotte Friend. This virus primarily infects mice and has been extensively studied as a model organism for human retroviruses, including human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). F-MuLV is widely used in molecular biology and immunology research.
F-MuLV has an RNA genome, which is reverse-transcribed into DNA upon infection of host cells. This DNA integrates into the host genome, making it a potent promoter of genetic expression. The virus exerts an oncogenic effect, transforming normal cells into cancerous ones in susceptible strains of mice. This property has been instrumental in recognizing and studying the genetic basis of cancer development.
The virus can be transmitted horizontally through direct contact, bodily fluids, and vertical transmission from mother to offspring. F-MuLV replication occurs primarily in lymphocytes and other blood cells, leading to the accumulation of blast cells and lymphomas in infected animals.
Researchers utilize F-MuLV in animal models to study the pathogenesis of retroviral infections, immune responses, antiviral therapies, cancer development, and genetic modification techniques. The virus is also a crucial tool in gene transfer methods, where it is used as a vector to introduce foreign DNA into mammalian cells. Owing to its significance in various fields of research, the Friend murine leukemia virus remains a valuable experimental model for understanding the intricate mechanisms of retroviruses and their potential implications in human health and disease.