Loss of ability to synthesize collagen in fibroblasts transformed by rous sarcoma virus.

Transformation of chick embryo fibroblasts by Rous sarcoma virus inhibited their ability to synthesize collagen. Kinetic experiments showed that 72 hours after infection, collagen synthesis was reduced by 90%. Nontransforming Rous-associated viruses did not inhibit collagen synthesis. The inhibition resulted from the failure of the cells to synthesize collagen polypeptides rather than from a decrease in the activity of prolyl hydroxylase; the levels of prolyl hydroxylase were fourfold those in uninfected cells. The addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and theophylline, alone or together, did not restore collagen synthesis.