Abstract: A recombinant virus vector comprising a heterologous nucleic acid segment encoding FRNK protein (including active fragments thereof) operably linked to regulatory sequences directing expression of said FRNK protein in a cell susceptible to infection by said DNA virus vector is disclosed. Also disclosed is isolated mammalian FRNK protein, along with nucleic acids encoding the same and expression cassettes containing such nucleic acids. Methods of using the foregoing to induce the death of tumor cells are disclosed.