The v-sis/PDGF-2 transforming gene product localizes to cell membranes but is not a secretory protein

Abstract

The v-sis transforming gene encodes the woolly monkey homologue of human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) polypeptide 2. After its synthesis on membrane bound polyribosomes, the glycosylated precursor dimerizes in the endoplasmic reticulum and travels through the Golgi apparatus. At the cell periphery, the precursor is processed to yield a dimer structurally analogous to biologically active PDGF. Small amounts of two incompletely processed forms are detectable in tissue culture fluids of simian sarcoma virus (SSV) transformants. However, the vast majority remains cell associated. Thus, this growth factor-related transforming gene product is not a classical secretory protein. These findings define possible cellular locations where the transforming activity of the sis-PDGF-2 protein may be exerted.