Transmembrane domain of the AEV erb B oncogene protein is not required for partial manifestation of the transformed phenotype.

The transmembrane domain was deleted from within the v-erb B protein coding region of avian erythroblastosis virus. The mutant oncogene encoded a shortened, apparently soluble form of the normally membrane bound v-erb B protein. Despite this alteration in subcellular distribution, the mutant polypeptide retained the ability to induce fibroblast transformation by several parameters, including the ability to display anchorage-independent growth. It appears that the transmembrane domain, although important for full manifestation of the transformed phenotype, is not essential for v-erb B-mediated oncogenic transformation.