Complete nucleotide sequence of the leader RNA synthesized in vitro by vesicular stomatitis virus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the leader RNA synthesized in vitro by the Indiana serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus is presented. The sequence was determined by the technique described by Donis-Keller, Maxam and Gilbert (1977) in combination with the standard two-dimensional fingerprint techniques described by Barrell (1971). The leader RNA contains 48 nucleotides variably terminating at the 3' terminus with cytosine (68%) and adenosine at position 47 (32%). Since the leader RNA is complementary to the 3' terminal portion of the viral genome RNA, the first 48 nucleotides from the 3' end of the genome RNA can be decuded. The leader RNA contains repetitive and palindromic sequences with a polypurine sequence at its 3' terminus. The possible role of some of the sequences is discussed.