SV40 large T antigen (TAg) is a powerful oncoprotein capable of transforming a variety of cell types. The transforming activity of TAg is due in large part to its perturbation of the retinoblastoma (pRB) and p53 tumor suppressor proteins. In addition, TAg binds to several other cellular factors, including the transcriptional co-activators p300 and CBP, which may contribute to its transformation function. Several other features of TAg that appear to contribute to its full transformation potential are yet to be completely understood. Study of TAg therefore continues to provide new insights into the mechanism of cellular transformation.
Copyright 2001 Academic Press.