2016/08/02 by John M. Coffin, Hung Fan · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Medicine · #CRISPR and Genetic Engineering #Chromosomal and Genetic Variations #Viral-associated cancers and disorders
paper · pdf · doi:10.1146/annurev-virology-110615-035556
openalex publication_date 2016/08/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
In 1970 the independent and simultaneous discovery of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses (then RNA tumor viruses) by David Baltimore and Howard Temin revolutionized molecular biology and laid the foundations for retrovirology and cancer biology. In this historical review we describe the formulation of the controversial provirus hypothesis by Temin, which ultimately was proven by his discovery of reverse transcriptase in Rous sarcoma virus virions. Baltimore arrived at the same discovery through his studies on replication of RNA-containing viruses, starting with poliovirus and then moving to vesicular stomatitis virus, where he discovered a virion RNA polymerase. Subsequent studies of reverse transcriptase led to the elucidation of the mechanism of retrovirus replication, the discovery of oncogenes, the advent of molecular cloning, the search for human cancer viruses, and the discovery and treatment of HIV/AIDS.