Nucleotide sequence of the DNA replication origin for human papovavirus BKV: sequence and structural homology with SV40.

DNA and RNA sequencing techniques were used to obtain the sequence surrounding the origin of DNA replication for human papovavirus BKV. The structure is characterized by a true palindrome of 17 residues followed by two sets of symmetrical sequences and a stretch of 20 AT residues. Within the two symmetrical sequences is a segment containing a strong purine bias, 23 of 26 nucleotides. These structures are similar, if not identical, to those found in the region of the SV40 replication, origin. Within the homologous DNA segments, 60-80% of the BKV and SV40 nucleotides are the same. The remarkable similarity of BKV and SV40 sequences containing the origins of DNA replication would appear to confirm our previous suggestion of an evolutionary relationship between the two genomes. In addition, topological similarities between these sequences suggest the possibility of certain structural requirements for bidirectional replication origins in these superhelical DNAs.