The mRNA 5' cap-binding protein, eIF-4E, cooperates with v-myc or E1A in the transformation of primary rodent fibroblasts.

We present evidence that eIF-4E, the mRNA 5' cap-binding protein, cooperates with two immortalizing oncogenes, v-myc and E1A, to cause transformation of rat embryo fibroblasts. eIF-4E alone can transform rat embryo fibroblasts when selection is applied. The pattern of transformation by eIF-4E is similar to that of p21 Ras, raising the possibility that eIF-4E shares a common signal transduction pathway with p21 Ras.