Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) is a retrovirus that belongs to the family of oncoviruses, which are naturally occurring viruses that are capable of causing cancer in certain animal species. MMLV specifically infects mice and is widely used as a model organism in various scientific studies related to cancer research.
This virus is named after American virologist John T. Moloney, who discovered it in 1965 during experiments involving mouse tumors. MMLV has a single-stranded RNA genome, which allows it to convert its RNA into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This reverse transcription step is a defining characteristic of retroviruses.
MMLV primarily targets lymphoid cells, which are a type of white blood cells involved in the immune response. The virus enters these cells by binding to specific receptors on their surface, thereby gaining access to the cell's internal machinery. Once inside the lymphoid cell, MMLV utilizes its reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert its RNA genome into DNA. This viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, transforming the cell into a factory for viral replication.
Due to its ability to cause leukemia, MMLV has been extensively studied as a model system for understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development. Researchers have used MMLV to investigate the role of various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cancer progression. Additionally, MMLV-based vectors have been developed for gene therapy and gene expression studies.
In summary, Moloney murine leukemia virus is a retrovirus that infects mice, primarily targeting lymphoid cells and causing leukemia. It is commonly used as a model organism in cancer research and has contributed significantly to our understanding of cancer biology.
