# THE FMS ONCOGENE

> **NIH NIH R01** · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · 1987 · $198,241

## Abstract

The retroviral oncogene, v-fms, was acquired by genetic recombination
between a filine leukemia virus (FeLV) and proto-oncogene sequences (c-fms)
of normal cat cells.  The v-fms gene is found in only one strain of feline
sarcoma virus (FeSV) and encodes a transforming glycoprotein of unknown
function.  The product of the c-fms gene has not been identified, nor has
its relationship to the viral transforming protein been elucidated.

This proposal describes the detailed characterization of the v-fms-coded
glycoprotein, defines the first steps in identifying the product of the
cellular proto-oncogene, and attempts to clarify the role of these proteins
in malignant transformation.  Using the recently determined nucleotide
sequence of a biologically active clone of FeSV DNA, we propose to place
site-directed mutations in the v-fms gene.  In particular, mutations will
be directed to (i) limited regions of the v-fms gene which show unexpected
homology to v-onc genes of the tyrosine kinase gene family, and to (ii)
signal sequences which are presumed to play a role in the subcellular
localization of the transforming glycoprotein.  The transforming activity
of altered genes will be assayed by DNA transfection onto cultured cells.
Cotransfection with dominant selectable markers will be used to isolate
nontransforming variants whose encoded products will be biochemically
compared to those of the wild type transforming gene.  The induced
biochemical alterations in the v-fms gene product will be correlated with
the topology of the protein and its transforming activity.  In parallel
studies, genomic and cDNA clones of the c-fms gene will be used to predict
the primary structure of its product, thereby facilitating its
identification and characterization.  Recombinant DNA molecules between
c-fms and v-fms will be prepared in an effort to activate the latent
transforming potential of the cellular proto-oncogene.  It is anticipated
that a detailed characterization of domains in the v-fms-coded glycoprotein
important in post-translational processing, intracellular transport, and
transformation will provide the basis for activating the cellular
proto-oncogene and determining its function.  The latter studies will
emphasize the structure and expression of the human c-fms proto-oncogene
and its potential role in cancer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176250
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038187-04
- **Recipient organization:** ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JL4JHE9SDRR3
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARLES J SHERR
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $198,241
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1984-07-01 → 1988-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176250

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176250, THE FMS ONCOGENE (5R01CA038187-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176250. Licensed CC0.

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