Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MMLV)

Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MMLV) is a type of retrovirus that infects mice, specifically causing leukemia (a type of blood cancer). It integrates its genetic material into the host's DNA, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Scientists use MMLV in research to study cancer development and gene function. It is also a tool in gene therapy to deliver genetic material into cells, though its use is mainly experimental due to safety concerns. Overall, MMLV is important both as a model for understanding leukemia and as a tool in biotechnology.