Derivation of mouse sarcoma virus (Kirsten) by acquisition of genes from heterologous host.

The technique of virus RNA-cellular DNA hybridization in solution with DNA excess was used to compared the nucleotide sequences of the 70 S RNA genome of the Kirsten mouse sarcoma virus (Ki-MSV) with that of mouse erythroblastosis virus (MEV) which gave rise to Ki-MSV after in vivo propagation in rat. It is suggested that a loss of about 30% of the genomic sequences of MEV with a concomitant gain of roughly equal amounts of rat-specific sequences in a genetically stable recombinant state led to the formation of Ki-MSV.