Nucleotide sequence at the 5' terminus of the avian sarcoma virus genome

Rex Retroelements and Teleost Genomes: An Overview

Repetitive DNA is an intriguing portion of the genome still not completely discovered and shows a high variability in terms of sequence, genomic organization, and evolutionary mode. On the basis of the genomic organization, it includes satellite DNAs, which are organized as long arrays of head-to-tail linked repeats, and transposable elements, which are dispersed throughout the genome. These repeated elements represent a considerable fraction of vertebrate genomes contributing significantly in species evolution. In this review, we focus our attention on Rex1, Rex3 and Rex6, three elements specific of teleost genomes. We report an overview of data available on these retroelements highlighting their significative impact in chromatin and heterochromatin organization, in the differentiation of sex chromosomes, in the formation of supernumerary chromosomes, and in karyotype evolution in teleosts.

Expression in Escherichia coli and purification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid protein (p24)

Capsid protein (p24;CA) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was synthesized in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3) using a plasmid encoding a truncated HIV-1 gag/pol gene. The plasmid, which contained a mutation in the frameshift region, expressed viral proteinase (PR), a pol gene product, in the gag reading frame, resulting in efficient processing of mature CA and other gag-related products. The expressed CA is soluble, recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against HIV CA and has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of CA purified from HIV. Purification was done under mild conditions where coexpressed HIV PR retained enzymatic activity. Milligram quantities of 90% pure CA protein were obtained after chromatography on DEAE cellulose followed by facilitated aggregation of the CA in the unbound fraction. The precipitated CA was readily dissolved in low ionic strength aqueous buffer. Gel exclusion chromatography results indicated that, in solution, CA existed in oligomeric form.

A retroviral RNA secondary structure required for efficient initiation of reverse transcription

Genetic evidence is presented which suggests the existence of an important structural element in the 5' noncoding region of avian retrovirus RNA. The proposed structure, which we term the U5-leader stem, is composed of sequences in the middle of U5 and in the leader, flanking the primer-binding site. U5 and leader mutations which would disrupt this structure caused a partial replication defect. However, nucleotide substitutions in the leader, which would structurally compensate for a U5 deletion mutation, restored normal replication. Analysis of replication intermediates of viruses with the above mutations suggests that the U5-leader stem is required for efficient DNA synthesis in vivo and for initiation of DNA synthesis from the tRNA(Trp) primer in melittin-activated virions. However, this structure does not appear to be required for binding of the tRNA(Trp) primer to viral RNA. These results support a role for the U5-leader stem structure, independent of its primary sequence, in the initiation of retroviral replication.

The pathophysiology of murine retrovirus-induced leukemias

Murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) are retroviruses which induce a broad spectrum of hematopoietic malignancies. In contrast to the acutely transforming retroviruses, MuLVs do not contain transduced cellular genes, or oncogenes. Nonetheless, MuLVs can cause leukemias quickly (4 to 6 weeks) and efficiently (up to 100% incidence) in susceptible strains of mice. The molecular basis of MuLV-induced leukemia is not clear. However, the contribution of individual viral genes to leukemogenesis can be assayed by creating novel viruses in vitro using recombinant DNA techniques. These genetically engineered viruses are tested in vivo for their ability to cause leukemia. Leukemogenic MuLVs possess genetic sequences which are not found in nonleukemogenic viruses. These sequences control the histologic type, incidence, and latency of disease induced by individual MuL Vs.

Characterization of ribosome binding on Rous sarcoma virus RNA in vitro

We determined the sites at which ribosomes form initiation complexes on Rous sarcoma virus RNA in order to determine how initiation of Pr76gag synthesis at the fourth AUG codon from the 5' end of Rous sarcoma virus strain SR-A RNA occurs. Ribosomes bind almost exclusively at the 5'-proximal AUG codon when chloride is present as the major anion added to the translational system. However, when chloride is replaced with acetate, ribosomes bind at the two 5'-proximal AUG codons, as well as at the initiation site for Pr76gag. We confirmed that the 5'-proximal AUG codon is part of a functional initiation site by identifying the seven-amino acid peptide encoded there. Our results suggest that (i) translation in vitro of Rous sarcoma virus virion RNA results in the synthesis of at least two polypeptides; (ii) the pattern of ribosome binding observed for Rous sarcoma virus RNA can be accounted for by the modified scanning hypothesis; and (iii) the interaction between 40S ribosomal subunits or 80S ribosomal complexes is stronger at the 5'-proximal AUG codon than at sites farther downstream, including the initiation site for the major viral proteins.

Nucleic acid structure and expression of the human AIDS/lymphadenopathy retrovirus

The 9,213-nucleotide structure of the AIDS/lymphadenopathy virus has been determined from molecular clones representing the integrated provirus and viral RNA. The sequence reveals that the virus is highly polymorphic and lacks significant nucleotide homology with type C retroviruses characterized previously. Together with an analysis of the two major viral subgenomic RNAs, these studies establish the coding frames for the gag, pol and env genes and predict the expression of a novel gene at the 3' end of the genome unrelated to the X genes of HTLV-1 and -II.

Identification of a ribosome-binding site for a leader peptide encoded by Rous sarcoma virus RNA

A new method for identifying ribosome-binding sites was developed to determine whether AUG codons in the 5'-terminal RNA sequence of Rous sarcoma virus were used to initiate protein synthesis. We found that when translation is inhibited, the major ribosome-binding site on Rous sarcoma virus RNA is at the 5'-proximal AUG codon, even though the primary translational product from this RNA, Pr76gag, is encoded behind the fourth AUG codon 331 bases downstream from the observed initiation site. These results suggest that ribosomes can initiate translation on Rous sarcoma virus RNA at more than one site, thereby producing a seven-amino-acid peptide, as well as the gag gene polyprotein precursor of Mr 76,000.

Isolation of 16L virus: a rapidly transforming sarcoma virus from an avian leukosis virus-induced sarcoma

We have isolated a replication-defective rapidly transforming sarcoma virus (designated 16L virus) from a fibro-sarcoma in a chicken infected with td107A, a transformation-defective deletion mutant of subgroup A Schmidt-Ruppin Rous sarcoma virus. 16L virus transforms fibroblasts and causes sarcomas in infected chickens within 2 wk. Its genomic RNA is 6.0 kilobases and contains sequences homologous to the transforming gene (fps) of Fujinami sarcoma virus (FSV). RNase T1 oligonucleotide analysis shows that the 5' and 3' terminal sequences of 16L virus are indistinguishable from (and presumably derived from) td107A RNA. The central part of 16L viral RNA consists of fps-related sequences. These oligonucleotides fall into four classes: (i) oligonucleotides common to the putative transforming regions of FSV and another fps-containing avian sarcoma virus, UR1; (ii) an oligonucleotide also present in FSV but not in UR1; (iii) an oligonucleotide also present in UR1 but not in FSV; and (iv) an oligonucleotide not present in either FSV, UR1, or td107A. Cells infected with 16L virus synthesize a protein of Mr 142,000 that is immunoprecipitated with anti-gag antiserum. This protein has protein kinase activity. These results suggest that 16L virus arose by recombination between td107A and the cellular fps gene.

Structure of a replication intermediate in the synthesis of Rous sarcoma virus DNA in vivo

Intermediates in the synthesis of Rous sarcoma virus DNA in vivo contain a short second strand of DNA (plus strong-stop DNA) synthesized by using the region near the 5' end of the first (minus) strand of DNA as the template. In this report, we show that the 3' end of plus strong-stop DNA is extended about 15 to 20 nucleotides beyond the 5' end of the minus-strand DNA template, probably copying a portion of the tRNATrp molecule that serves as primer for synthesis of the minus strand of DNA. The extra sequences present in plus strong-stop DNA may play a central role in the generation of the long terminal repeat present in mature forms of viral DNA.

Nucleotide sequence of the 5' noncoding region and part of the gag gene of Rous sarcoma virus

Several functions of the retrovirus genome involve structural features in the vicinity of its 5' terminus. In an effort to further elucidate the relationship between structure and function in retrovirus RNA, we have determined the sequence of the first 1,010 nucleotides at the 5' end of the genome of Rous sarcoma virus by using the Maxam-Gilbert method to sequence suitable domains in cloned Rous sarcoma virus DNA. The results (i) locate the initiation codon for the gag gene of Rous sarcoma virus 372 nucleotides from the 5' end of viral RNA; (ii) demonstrate that this codon is preceded by three methionine codons that are apparently not used in translation; (iii) sustain previous conclusions that the principal site to which ribosomes bind on the Rous sarcoma virus genome in vitro does not contain the initiation codon for gag; (iv) permit deduction of the amino acid sequence of a viral structural protein, p19; (v) confirm the amino-terminal sequence of Pr76gag; and (vi) substantiate the identification of a splice donor site described in the accompanying manuscript (Hackett et al., J. Virol., 41:527-534, 1982).

src Genes of ten Rous sarcoma virus strains, including two reportedly transduced from the cell, are completely allelic; putative markers of transduction are not detected

The src genes of different Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) strains have been reported to be highly conserved by some investigators using RNA-cDNA hybridization, whereas others using oligonucleotide, peptide, and serological analyses have judged src genes to be variable in 30 to 50% of the respective markers. Moreover, distinctive src oligonucleotides and peptides of so-called recovered RSVs (rRSV's) whose src genes were reported to be experimentally transduced from the cell are thought to represent specific markers of host-derived src sequences. By contrast, we have pointed out previously that these markers may represent point mutations of parental equivalents. Here we have compared the src-specific sequences of eight RSV strains and of two rRSV's to each other and to a molecular clone of the src-related chicken locus. Our comparisons are based on RNase T(1)-resistant oligonucleotides of RNA hybridized to src-specific cDNA, which was prepared by hybridizing RSV cDNA with RNA of isogenic src deletion mutants, or to a cloned cellular src-related DNA. All of the approximately 20 src-oligonucleotides of a given RSV strain were recovered by src-specific cDNA's of all other RSV strains or by cellular src-related DNA. The number of oligonucleotides varied slightly with the length of the src deletion used to prepare src-specific cDNA, thus providing a measure for src deletion mutants. Our data indicate that the src genes of all RSV strains tested, including the two reportedly transduced from the cell, are about 98% conserved and completely allelic with only scattered single nucleotide differences in certain variable regions which are subject to point mutations. Hence, based on the src oligonucleotide markers analyzed by us and others, we cannot distinguish between a cellular and viral origin of rRSV's. However, the following are not compatible with a cellular origin of rRSV's. (i) The only putative oligonucleotide marker which is exclusively shared by the two rRSV's studied and which differs from a parental counterpart in a single base was not detectable in cellular src-related DNA. (ii) The number of different allelic src markers observed by us and others in rRSV's was too large to derive from one or two known cellular src-related loci. (iii) The known absence of linkage of the cellular src-related locus with other virion sequences was extended to all non-src oligonucleotides, including some mapping directly adjacent to src. This is difficult to reconcile with the claim that transformation-defective, partial src deletion mutants of RSV which contain both, one, or, as we show here, possibly no src termini nevertheless transduce at the same frequencies, even though homologous, single or double illegitimate recombinations would be involved. Given (i) our evidence that src genes are subject to point mutation under selective conditions similar to those prevailing when rRSV's were generated and (ii) the lack of absolute evidence for the clonal purity of the transformation-defective, partial src deletion mutants of RSV used to generate rRSV's, we submit that the src genes of rRSV's could have been generated by cross-reactivation of nonoverlapping src deletions or mutation of src variants possibly present in transformation-defective, partial src deletion mutants of RSV. To prove experimental transduction, unambiguous markers need to be identified, or it would be necessary to generate rRSV's with molecularly cloned transformation-defective, partial src deletion mutants of RSV. Although our evidence casts doubt on the idea that specific src sequences of rRSV's originated by transduction, the close relationship between viral src and cellular src-related sequences argues that src genes originated at one time in evolution from the cell by events that involved illegitimate recombination and deletion of non-src sequences that interrupt the cellular src locus.

A Rous sarcoma virus provirus is flanked by short direct repeats of a cellular DNA sequence present in only one copy prior to integration

The Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed rat cell line RSV-NRK-2 contains a single complete RSV provirus. We have obtained recombinant lambda clones that contain both ends of the RSV provirus and the flanking rat sequences. The provirus is integrated in unique DNA and is present in only one of the two homologous chromosomes. The rat sequences into which the RSV provirus integrated were also cloned from the RSV-NRK-2 cell line. The sequences of the regions involved in the recombination event have been determined and compared. Our data suggest that, compared with the sequence of viral DNA in the large circular form of unintegrated viral DNA, the provirus lacks two base pairs at each end and that the provirus is flanked by a six-base-pair direct repeat of cellular DNA. This six-base-pair repeat was apparently created during the integration event because this sequence was present only once at the integration site before the provirus was inserted. A survey of eight other independent RSV transformed rat cell lines demonstrates that, in agreement with earlier results, the RSV proviruses have entered different segments of rat cell DNA. We have also determined the sequence of a second virus DNA-host cell DNA junction from a second RSV-transformed rat cell line (RSV-NRK-4) and find that there are no obvious similarities between the two integration sites or between the integration sites and the termini of viral DNA.

Direct proof of the 5' to 3' transcriptional jump during reverse transcription of the avian retrovirus genome by DNA sequencing

DNA sequence analysis of avian sarcoma virus in vitro-synthesized complementary DNA and in vivo-synthesized, molecularly cloned viral DNA provides unequivocal proof that only one copy of the terminally redundant viral RNA sequence is copied during reverse transcription.

Viral DNA synthesized in vitro by avian retrovirus particles permeabilized with melittin. I. Kinetics of synthesis and size of minus- and plus-strand transcripts

We have examined the kinetics of synthesis of minus [(-)]- and plus [(+)]-strand viral DNA in melittin-permeabilized avian retrovirus particles. The reaction was biphasic. There was a very rapid initial rate, followed, after approximately 1 h, by a lower rate. Many discrete bands of subgenomic-length (-) strands were produced after 10 and 20 min of synthesis; genome-length (7.7-kilobase [kb]) (-) strands were detected within 30 min. Extension to an 8.0-kb (-)-strand species was evident by 60 min. This extension was inhibited by actinomycin D. Synthesis of (+) strands (which is also inhibited by actinomycin D) began early, before any (-) strands were completed, and continued for more than 4 h beyond the time when synthesis of full-length DNA had terminated. Two distinct species of (+)-strand DNA, 0.27 and 0.35 kb, could be observed at the earliest times. Their presence was quickly obscured by subsequent formation of (+)-strand molecules of molecular length between 0.2 and 2.0 kb.

Nucleotide sequence of cloned unintegrated avian sarcoma virus DNA: viral DNA contains direct and inverted repeats similar to those in transposable elements

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of portions of two circular avian sarcoma virus (ASV) DNA molecules cloned in a prokaryotic host--vector system. The region whose sequence was determined represents the circle junction site--i.e., the site at which the ends of the unintegrated linear DNA are fused to form circular DNA. The sequence from one cloned molecule, SRA-2, shows that the circle junction site is the center of a 330-base-pair (bp) tandem direct repeat, presumably representing the fusion of the long terminal repeat (LTR) units known to be present at the ends of the linear DNA. The circle junction site is also the center of a 15-bp imperfect inverted repeat, which thus appears at the boundaries of the LTR. The structure of ASV DNA--unique coding region flanked by a direct repeat that is, in turn, terminated with a short inverted repeat--is very similar to the structure of certain transposable elements. Several features of the sequence imply that circularization to form the SRA-2 molecule occurred without loss of information from the linear DNA precursor. Circularization of another cloned viral DNA molecule, SRA-1, probably occurred by a different mechanism. The circle junction site of the SRA-1 molecule has a 63-bp deletion, which may have arisen by a mechanism that is analogous to the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. Flanking one side of the tandem direct repeat is the binding site for tRNATrp, the previously described primer for synthesis of the first strand of viral DNA. The other side of the direct repeat is flanked by a polypurine tract, A-G-G-G-A-G-G-G-G-G-A, which may represent the position of the primer for synthesis of the second strand of viral DNA. An A+T-rich region, upstream from the RNA capping site, and the sequence A-A-T-A-A-A are present within the direct repeat sequence. These sequences may serve as a promoter site and poly(A) addition signal, respectively, as proposed for other eukaryotic transcription units.

Avian oncovirus mutant (SE21Q1b) deficient in genomic RNA: characterization of a deletion in the provirus

We have previously described a nonconditional mutant of avian sarcoma virus (SE21Q1b) which fails to package viral RNA (Gallis et al., Virology 94:146-161, 1979; Linial et al., Cell 15:1371-1381, 1978). Quail cells transformed by SE21Q1b contain normal amounts of intracellular viral mRNA's for src, env, and gag-pol and release particles with the density of normal virus containing a typical complement of virion proteins, including reverse transcriptase. These virions are noninfectious for both chicken and quail cells and contain primarily cellular rather than viral RNA. Analysis by gel electrophoresis of the cellular DNA of quail cells transformed by SE21Q1b after restriction endonuclease digestion indicated the presence of a single provirus. The provirus was located at one site in the genome of the host cell and was flanked by the characteristic terminally repeated sequences derived from the 3' and 5' ends of viral RNA. The only defect detected in the SE21Q1b provirus was a deletion of ca. 150 base pairs of DNA somewhere between 300 and 600 bases from the left (gag-pol) end of the provirus. Analyses of the proviral DNA of cells transformed by wild-type recombinants between SE21Q1b and leukosis viruses reveal that the recombinants no longer contain this deletion. The deletion, therefore, defines a region on the viral RNA which is required for correct packaging of the virion RNA.

Inverted repeated sequences in yeast nuclear DNA

The inverted repeated sequences (foldback DNA) of yeast nuclear DNA have been examined by electron microscopy and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Of the inverted repeat structures seen in the electron microscope, 34% were hairpins and 66% had a single stranded loop at the end of a duplex stem. The number average length of the repeat was 0.3 kb and the single stranded loop was 1.6 kb. It is estimated that there are approximately 250 inverted repeats per haploid genome. A statistical analysis of the frequency of molecules containing multiple inverted repeats showed that these sequences are non-randomly distributed. The distribution of inverted repeats was also examined by measuring the fraction of total DNA in the foldback fraction that bound to hydroxyapatite as a function of single strand fragment size. This analysis also indicated that the inverted repeats are clustered. Renaturation kinetic analysis of isolated foldback and inverted repeat stem sequence DNA showed that these sequences are enriched for repetitive DNA.

Fine structure mapping of an avian tumor virus RNA by immunoelectron microscopy

The RNA of a deleted strain (lacking Src gene) of an avian sarcoma virus (ASV) was examined by a newly developed immunoelectron microscopic procedure which uses anti-nucleotide antibodies as probes. After denaturation of the RNA and reaction with a high affinity, highly specific anti-7-methylguanosine-5'-phosphate (anti-pm 7G), 81% of 106 molecules examined were found to have antibody at one terminus, in agreement with the presence of a pm 7G cap in ASV-RNA. Hapten inhibition by pm 7G could be demonstrated. Experiments with anti-A and with anti-poly A gave results consistent with the known structure of ASV-RNA, in particular the presence of a 3' poly A tail. These studies illustrate the feasibility of using anti-nucleotide antibodies in a combined immunochemical and electron microscopic study of the fine structure of nucleic acids.

The nucleotide sequence of an untranslated but conserved domain at the 3' end of the avian sarcoma virus genome

The genomes of numerous avian retroviruses contain at their 3' termini a conserved domain denoted "c". The precise boundaries and function of "c" have been enigmas. In an effort to resolve these issues, we determined the sequence of over 900 nucleotides at the 3' end of the genome of the Schmidt-Ruppin subgroup A strain of avian sarcoma virus (ASV). We obtained the sequence from a suitable fragment of ASV DNA that had cloned into the single-stranded DNA phage M13mp2. Computer-assisted analysis of the sequence revealed the following structural features: i) the length of "c" - 473 nucleotides; ii) the 3' terminal domain of src, ending in an amber codon at the 5'boundary of "c"; iii) terminator codons that preclude continuous translation from "c"; iv) suitably located sequences that may serve as signals for the initiation of viral RNA synthesis and for the processing and/or polyadenylation of viral mRNA; v) a repeated sequence that flanks src and that could facilitate deletion of this gene; vi) repeated sequences within "c"; and vii) unexplained homologies between sequences in "c" and sequences in several other nucleic acids, including the 5' terminal domain of the ASV genome, tRNATrp and its inversion, the complement of tRNATrp and its inversion, and the 18S RNA of eukaryotic ribosomes. We conclude that "c" probably does not encode a protein, but its sequence may nevertheless serve several essential functions in viral replication.

Nucleotide sequences of integrated Moloney sarcoma provirus long terminal repeats and their host and viral junctions

Integrated Moloney murine sarcoma provirus (MSV) has direct terminal repeat sequences (TRS). We determined the nucleotide sequence of both 588-base-pair TRS elements and the adjacent host and viral junctions of an integrated MSV cloned in bacteriophage lambda. Sequences were identified corresponding to the tRNAPro primer binding site in genomic RNA and the reverse-transcribed minus strong stop DNA. Each 588-base-pair repeat contains putative sites for promoting RNA synthesis and RNA polyadenylylation. The first and last 11 nucleotides of the TRS are inverted with respect to each other, and the same four-nucleotide host sequence is found bracketing integrated MSV. Some similarities of TRS and prokaryotic insertion sequence elements are discussed.

Sequence of retrovirus provirus resembles that of bacterial transposable elements

The nucleotide sequences of the terminal regions of an infectious integrated retrovirus cloned in the modified lambda phage cloning vector Charon 4A have been elucidated. There is a 569-base pair direct repeat at both ends of the viral DNA. The cell-virus junctions at each end consist of a 5-base pair direct repeat of cell DNA next to a 3-base pair inverted repeat of viral DNA. This structure resembles that of a transposable element and is consistent with the protovirus hypothesis that retroviruses evolved from the cell genome.

Nucleotide sequence of Moloney leukemia virus: 3' end reveals details of replications, analogy to bacterial transposons, and an unexpected gene

We have determined the sequence of a cloned DNA fragment 1108 base pairs long which corresponds to the 3' end of the Moloney murine leukemia provirus. The clone was obtained as the primary product of reverse transcription and begins with the Moloney "strong stop" sequence, then extends towards the 5' end of the provirus. Our sequence: (i) proves that reverse transcriptase switches templates during minus strand synthesis; (ii) defines the limits of the 515-base-pair repeats which occupy both ends of the integrated provirus; (iii) shows that the structure of the proviral repeats has strong analogy to bacterial insertion sequences, indicating that the Moloney provirus is a transposon; (iv) identifies the putative promotor for genomic transcription within these repeats; (v) shows that the presumed origin of second strand synthesis, which lies just outside the 3' repeat, has tertiary structure analogous to single-stranded bacteriophage origins of replication; (vi) solves the amino acid sequence of most of pI5E, the carboxy-terminal product of the env gene; (vii) allows detailed mapping of the mink cell focus-forming virus substitution locus in a central location within the gp70 region of the env gene; and (viii) identifies a long open translation frame to the right of the env gene (R gene) which could be involved in leukemogenesis.

Avian retroviruses that cause carcinoma and leukemia: identification of nucleotide sequences associated with pathogenicity

Avian myelocytomatosis virus (MC29V) is a retrovirus that transforms both fibroblasts and macrophages in culture and induces myelocytomatosis, carcinomas, and sarcomas in birds. Previous work identified a sequence of about 1,500 nucleotides (here denoted onc(MCV)) that apparently derived from a normal cellular sequence and that may encode the oncogenic capacity of MC29V. In an effort to further implicate onc(MCV) in tumorigenesis, we used molecular hybridization to examine the distribution of nucleotide sequences related to onc(MCV) among the genomes of various avian retroviruses. In addition, we characterized further the genetic composition of the remainder of the MC29V genome. Our work exploited the availability of radioactive DNAs (cDNA's) complementary to onc(MCV) (cDNA(MCV)) or to specific portions of the genome of avian sarcoma virus (ASV). We showed that genomic RNAs of avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV) and avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) could not hybridize appreciably with cDNA(MCV). By contrast, cDNA(MCV) hybridized extensively (about 75%) and with essentially complete fidelity to the genome of Mill Hill 2 virus (MH2V), whose pathogenicity is very similar to that of MC29V, but different from that of AEV or AMV. Hybridization with the ASV cDNA's demonstrated that the MC29V genome includes about half of the ASV envelope protein gene and that the remainder of the MC29V genome is closely related to nucleotide sequences that are shared among the genomes of many avian leukosis and sarcoma viruses. We conclude that onc(MCV) probably specifies the unique set of pathogenicities displayed by MC29V and MH2V, whereas the oncogenic potentials of AEV and AMV are presumably encoded by a distinct nucleotide sequence unrelated to onc(MCV). The genomes of ASV, MC29V, and other avian oncoviruses thus share a set of common sequences, but apparently owe their various oncogenic potentials to unrelated transforming genes.

Low-molecular-weight RNAs and initiation of RNA-directed DNA synthesis in avian reticuloendotheliosis virus

The small RNAs of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared with those of murine leukemia virus and avian sarcoma virus. Although there were some similarities among the three virus types, the patterns of small RNAs were distinct. By characterizing the small RNA which is most tightly associated with REV genome RNA and which can be labeled in limited DNA synthesis reactions, the primer for REV reverse transcription was identified as tRNAPro. This is consistent with previous reports that REV is more closely related to retroviruses of mammalian origin than to other avian viruses. In contrast, REV strong-stop complementary DNA is longer than any previously characterized strong-stop products of avian or mammalian retroviruses. The REV group may, therefore, have been derived from an as yet unidentified mammalian type C virus.

Structure of murine sarcoma virus DNA replicative intermediates synthesized in vitro

Moloney murine sarcoma virions synthesize discrete DNA products in vitro which closely resemble those found in vivo shortly after infection. These in vitro products have been isolated by electrophoresis and mapped with restriction endonucleases. In addition to the full-genome-length 6-kilobase pair linear DNA, a 5.4-kilobase pair circular DNA molecule, an incomplete linear DNA molecule, and a 600-base pair molecule were detected. The 6-kilobase pair DNA contained a 600-base pair direct terminal repeat which was missing from the circular form and was partially represented on the incomplete linear DNA molecule. The 600-base pair DNA contained sequences which were present in the 600-base pair direct repeat on the 6-kilobase pair DNA. The order of synthesis and the structure of these molecules detected in the in vitro reaction suggest that they are crucial intermediates in the formation of the final product of in vitro reverse transcription. A model which accounts for the synthesis of all of these molecules during the initial stages of viral replication is suggested.

Genome organization of retroviruses. V. In vitro-synthesized Moloney murine leukemia viral DNA has long terminal redundancy

Purified virions of Moloney murine leukemia virus can synthesize genome-length double-stranded DNA in vitro. Two predominant species of long DNA transcripts, with average sizes of 9.1 and 8.5 kilobases (kb) can be identified. Both species of DNA contain the negative (complementary to viral RNA) and positive (same polarity as viral RNA) strands. However, only the negative strand of the 8.5-kb species can be identified if the synthesis of DNA is carried out in the presence of the drug actinomycin D. The 9.1-kb species appears to be slightly larger than the genomic RNA. If the linear double-stranded 9.1-kb species is treated with Escherichia coli exonuclease III and allowed to anneal, circular DNA molecules can be observed. Furthermore, polyadenylate-containing short genomic RNA fragments (0.5 to 1.0 kb) can anneal to both the 5' and the 3' termini of 9.1-kb complementary DNA. The polyadenylate moiety of the RNA fragments can be identified by tagging it with circular polyoma DNA containing polydeoxybromouridylic acid tails. Thus, the 9.1-kb complementary DNA transcript with two circular polyoma DNA molecules at its termini can be observed. However, when similar annealings are performed with 8.5-kb complementary DNA species, only one end of the resulting molecule has circular polyoma DNA. We conclude that the 9.1-kb complementary DNA species has a large terminal redundancy. The sequences involved in terminal redundancy appear to be derived from the 3' end of the genomic RNA.

5'-terminal nucleotide sequences of the Rauscher leukemia virus and gibbon ape leukemia virus genomes exhibit a high degree of correspondence

The 5'-terminal regions of gibbon ape leukemia virus-Hall's Island and Rauscher murine leukemia virus have been completely sequenced. The chain length for the 5'-terminal region of Rauscher murine leukemia virus is 140 nucleotides, and that for gibbon ape leukemia virus-Hall's Island is 144 nucleotides. An alignment of the sequences maximizing the number of ocrrespondences with the minimum introduction of gaps shows 81% nucleotide matches. From the complementary RNA, secondary structures of this region have been proposed. These data demonstrate the conservation of the 5'-terminal genetic sequences of these viruses and strongly reinforce the concept that viruses of murine origin and viruses of the gibbon ape leukemia virus-Simian sarcoma-associated virus group are closely related.

Circular forms of DNA synthesized by Rous sarcoma virus in vitro

Electron microscopic analysis of the DNA product synthesized by detergent-disrupted preparations of Rous sarcoma virus in vitro revealed the presence of several interesting molecular forms including covalently closed circular DNA. The identification of such circular DNA indicates that virions of retroviruses contain all the components necessary to facilitate the complete synthesis of mature forms of viral DNA and therefore provide a useful system to delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in their synthesis.

Deletion mutant of the Bratislava-77 strain of Rous sarcoma virus containing a fusion of the group-specific antigen and envelope genes

The genetic compositions of two independently derived preparations of the Bratislava-77 strain (B77) of Rous sarcoma virus were analyzed after each was passaged seven or more times in duck embryo fibroblasts. RNase, T1-resistant oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis of virion RNA from both preparations of duck-passaged B77 revealed the presence of two large noncontiguous deletions. Approximately 75% of the RNAs contained a deletion which spans oligonucleotides 304 to 4 on the viral genome (about 3,500 nucleotides) and encompasses all of the B77 polymerase gene. More than 90% of the RNAs also contained a deletion which spans src-specific oligonucleotides 6 and 5(about 2,200 nucleotides) and is identical to the deletion observed in transformation-defective B77. Virion RNA from duck-passaged B77 also contained two oligonucleotides (D1 and D2) not observed in the RNA of B77 virus grown on chicken embryo fibroblasts. Analysis of the virion RNA of duck-passaged B77 by denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis revealed four major subunits with molecular weights of 3.40 x 10(6), 2.65 x 10(6), 2.25 x 10(6), and 1.55 x 10(6). Whereas the 3.40- and 2.65-megadalton (Mdal) RNA species comigrated with the nondefective and transformation-defective RNAs of B77 propagated on chicken embryo fibroblasts, no counterparts to the 2.25- and 1.55-Mdal RNAs were observed in the RNA of B77 grown on chicken embryo fibroblasts. Oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis of these RNA species revealed that the 2.65-Mdal RNA contains the src-specific deletion and that 2.25-Mdal RNA contains the polymerase region deletion; both of these deletions were observed in the 1.55-Mdal RNA, which was the major RNA subunit species detected in duck-passaged B77. The new oligonucleotides (D1 and D2) observed in the duck-passaged virus were present in the 2.25- and 1.55-Mdal RNA species in vitro and in vivo and directs the synthesis of a 130,000-dalton protein (p130). p130 contains antigenic determinants specific for p27 (gag gene) and gp85 (env gene) but does not contain sequences which cross-react with antisera directed against the alpha beta form of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (pol gene). This RNA, therefore, is generated by a fusion of the gag and env genes of Rous sarcoma virus B77.

Structural analysis of the intracellular RNAs of murine mammary tumor virus

We have characterized murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV)-specific RNA in several types of cells in which viral DNA is transcribed into RNA: cultured GR mouse mammary tumor cells, S49 lymphoma cells from BALB/c mice, lactating mammary glands from C57BL/6 mice, and mink lung cells infected in vitro with MuMTV. In all cell types studied, there are three distinct species of intracellular viral RNA, with sedimentation coefficients of 35S, 24S, and 13S (or molecular weights of 3.1 X 10(6), 1.5 X 10(6), and 0.37 X 10(6), as determined by rate-zonal sedimentation in sucrose gradients and by electrophoresis in agarose gels under denaturing conditions. These three viral RNA species appear to be present regardless of viral RNA concentration, responsiveness to glucocorticoid hormones, production of extracellular virus, and use of either endogenous or acquired MuMTV proviral DNA as template. The three viral RNAs display characteristics of mRNAs in that they are polyadenylated, associated with polyribosomes, and released from polyribosomes by treatment with EDTA; hence all three species presumably direct the synthesis of virus-coded proteins. The two larger species of viral RNA are probably responsible for synthesis of the structural proteins of the virion, but the function of the 13S RNA is not known. Both of the subgenomic RNAs contain sequences found at the 3' terminus of 35S (or genomic) RNA. However, only the 24S RNA (not the 13S RNA) contains sequences which are located at the 5' terminus of 35S RNA and are apparently transposed during RNA synthesis of maturation, as described for subgenomic mRNA's of other retroviruses.

Initiation of DNA synthesis by the avian retrovirus reverse transcriptase in vitro: nature and location of the oligodeoxycytidylic acid primer binding site

We have investigated the use of oligodeoxycytidylic acid [oligo(dC)] as a primer for the initiation of DNA synthesis by the avian retrovirus reverse transcriptase in vitro, employing the viral RNA genome as template. The addition of oligo(dC)(12-18) to viral 35S RNA results in a stimulation of DNA synthesis by the viral RNA-directed DNA polymerase comparable to that observed when oligo(dT) is employed as a primer. Under similar conditions neither oligo(dA)(12-18) nor oligo(dG)(12-18) was active as primer for transcription of the avian retrovirus genome. Several different approaches have been employed to localize the oligo(dC)(12-18) binding site on the viral genome, including isolation of poly(A)-containing fragments, competition hybridization, and RNase H hydrolysis. These analyses indicate that oligo(dC)(12-18) binds to a site approximately 2,000 to 3,000 nucleotides from the 3' terminus of the genome of transforming strains of avian sarcoma viruses and approximately 700 to 1,000 nucleotides from the 3' terminus of nontransforming avian retroviruses. Therefore, the major site of initiation of DNA synthesis by oligo(dC)(12-18) appears to be in the vicinity of the 3' end of the env gene and the 5' end of the src gene, although the presence of minor initiation sites located elsewhere on the viral genome cannot be excluded by these data. Characterization of oligonucleotides after pancreatic RNase hydrolysis and poly(C)-Sepharose chromatography of viral RNA directly demonstrates the presence of oligoguanylic acid residues in the avian sarcoma virus genome. DNA sequences transcribed from the oligo(dC) primer appear to be conserved in all of the avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses tested. The use of oligo(dC) as a tool for the production of specific complementary DNA probes is discussed.

Gibbon ape leukemia virus-Hall's Island: new strain of gibbon ape leukemia virus

Gibbon ape leukemia virus-Hall's Island (GaLV-H), a type C virus related to previous isolates of GaLV and simian sarcoma virus, was isolated from a gibbon ape with lymphocytic leukemia from a small colony of free-ranging gibbon apes on Hall's Island near Bermuda. We show here by molecular hybridization experiments that GaLV-H is approximately 60% related to three previous isolates of GaLV (GaLV-SF, GaLV-SEATO, and GaLV-Br) and is less closely related to simian sarcoma virus. The oligopyrimidine pattern of a transcript of the terminal 135 +/- 5 nucleotides of the viral RNA of GaLV-H is similar to that of GALV-Br but distinct from that of GaLV-SF and simian sarcoma virus. GaLV-H thus represents a fifth distinct strain of the infectious primate type C viruses, which among the previously described isolates of GaLV is most closely related to GaLV-Br.

Nucleotide sequence relationships between the genomes of an endogenous and an exogenous avian tumor virus

We have used mapping of large T1 oligonucleotides to examine the genome of Rous-associated virus-O (RAV-O), an endogenous virus of chickens, and to compare it with that of Prague strain Rous sarcoma virus, subgroup B, (Pr-RSV-B), an exogenous sarcoma virus. To extend the sensitivity of such comparisons, we have developed a system of nucleic acid hybridization and hybridization-competition combined with fingerprinting. This method allows us to estimate the relative degree of relatedness of various portions of the viral genomes. From the results of this study, we have concluded that the genomes of Pr-RSV-B and RAV-O are related in the following way. The 5'-terminal half of the genomes (corresponding to the gag and pol regions) is virtually identical, with only scattered single nucleotide differences. This region is followed by a region comprising 25 to 30% of the genome (the env region) which contains substantial nucleotide sequence differences, most or all of which are due to single base changes. The env-coding region can be further subdivided into three regions: a more variable region probably containing sequences coding for subgroup specificity, flanked by relatively common sequences on each side. To the 3' side of the env region, the RAV-O genome contains a very short sequence not found in Pr-RSV-B, whereas the Pr-RSV-B genome contains a much longer unrelated sequence. The central portion of this sequence comprises the src gene as defined by transformation-defective mutants. Particularly striking is the absence, in the RAV-O genome, of any nucleotide sequence related to the "c region" found very near the 3' end of all exogenous tumor viruses. Both the Pr-RSV-B and RAV-O genomes contain the identical terminally redundant sequence of 21 nucleotides near each end of the genome.

A method for classification of 5' termini of retroviruses

A new method for the classification of retroviruses is presented. The scheme is based on the length and sequence of a DNA transcript of the 5' end of the genome. The method can be used to detect similarities between distantly related viruses as well as to discriminate between very closely related viruses. The method is applied to viruses isolated from mice, baboons, gibbons, a woolly monkey and chickens.

Nucleotide sequence at the 5' extremity of tobacco-mosaic-virus RNA. 2. The coding region (nucleotides 69-236)

In the preceding paper it was shown that the first A-U-G codon in tobacco mosaic virus RNA is separated from the 5' terminus by a sequence of 68 nucleotides devoid of internal guanosine residues. In this paper we present the sequence of 165 residues immediately following the first potential initiation codon. The characterized sequence contains four nonsense codons but none are in phase with the prospective initiation codon. Several lines of evidence, including direct characterization of the portion of the RNA molecule which binds to and is protected by the ribosome in the course of initiation, all support the idea that the A-U-G at position 69-71 is a functional initiation signal for viral protein synthesis.

Nucleotide sequence at the 5' extremity of tobacco-mosaic-virus RNA. 1. The noncoding region (nucleotides 1-68)

The sequence of the 5' noncoding region of tobacco mosaic virus RNA has been determined. The noncoding region is 68 nucleotides long and is unusual in that it contains no internal guanosine residues. The long T1 oligonucleotide containing the guanosine-free tract was isolated from a T1 ribonuclease digest of tobacco mosaic virus RNA and sequenced by labelling techniques in vitro using polynucleotide kinase. The guanosine-free tract is terminated by the first potential initiation codon in the RNA molecule and several lines of evidence suggest that this AUG triplet is operational in initiating viral protein synthesis (see following paper). The 5'-noncoding region cannot base-pair extensively with the 3'-terminal sequence of 18-S ribosomal RNA from rabbit reticulocytes.

Evidence for splicing of avian sarcoma virus 5'-terminal genomic sequences into viral-specific RNA in infected cells

The 5'-terminal nucleotide sequences of the avian sarcoma virus (ASV) genome are transcribed by the reverse transcriptase in vitro into a DNA transcript that represents the entire distance ( approximately 100 nucleotides) between the tRNA(Trp) primer molecule and the 5' terminus. We have used these DNA(100) transcripts in hybridization reactions with ASV-specific RNA from infected avian cells and find nucleotide sequences complementary to these transcripts on all of the various size classes of viral mRNA identified. Similar hybridization results were obtained with a specific DNA transcript complementary to viral genomic nucleotide sequences between the tRNA(Trp) primer molecule and up to, but not including, the terminal redundant sequences (DNA(70)), indicating that the observed hybridization of DNA(100) to all size classes of viral RNA in infected cells did not reflect hybridization of DNA(100) to the terminal redundant sequences at the 3' end of the viral genome. Escherichia coli RNase H hydrolysis of RNA.DNA hybrids consisting of genomic 35S RNA obtained from virus and DNA(100) transcripts indicated that viral genomic sequences complementary to these DNA transcripts were not present at sites distal to the ends of the RNA genome and therefore not adjacent to the corresponding gene sequences representing the various species of viral mRNA from infected cells. These studies suggest that the 5'-terminal genomic nucleotide sequences, or a portion thereof, are somehow added or "spliced" onto each ASV-specific mRNA species in infected cells either during or after transcription of proviral DNA for some as yet undetermined purpose.