Identification of early adenovirus type 2 RNA species transcribed from the left-hand end of the genome.

Unique fragments of adenovirus type 2 DNA generated by cleavage with endonuclease R-Eco RI or endonuclease R-Hsu I (Hin dIII) were used to map cytoplasmic viral RNAs transcribed early in productive infection. Radioactive early viral RNA was first fractionated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Eluted viral RNAs were then tested for hybrid formation with DNA fragments. The Eco RI DNA fragment (Eco RI-A) which contains the left-hand 58% of the genome hybridized 13S and 11S RNAs. More detailed mapping of these RNAs was achieved by hybridization to the seven Hsu I fragments of Eco RI-A. The early RNA annealed only to Hsu I-G and C, two fragments which comprise the extreme left-hand 17% of the genome. Viral RNA migrating as 13S and 11S annealed to Hsu I-G, and 13S RNA annealed to Hsu I-C. A 13S RNA is transcribed from Eco RI-A late in infection (18 h). Hybridization-inhibition studies with Eco RI-A DNA, early cytoplasmic RNA, and 3H-labeled 13S late RNA demonstrated that this RNA synthesized at late times is an early RNA species which continues to be synthesized in large amounts at 18 h. This 13S RNA synthesized at 18 h hybridized to Hsu I-C but not to Hsu I-G DNA. These results establish that the 13S RNAs transcribed from Hsu I-G and C at early times must be different species.