Translation of mRNA from simian virus 40-infected cells into simian virus 40 capsid protein by cell-free extracts.

Messenger RNA was isolated from simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected and mock-infected cells by chromatography on poly(U) sepharose. When added to cell-free extracts from Chinese hamster ovary cells or rabbit reticulocytes, RNA from the infected cells, but not from mock-infected cells, stimulated synthesis of the major SV40 capsid protein. Identification of this species was done by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping, and immunoprecipitation. The in vitro synthesized capsid protein was slightly different from virion assembled capsid protein, as shown by separation upon chromatography on hydroxylapatite and by minor differences in the peptide map.