Hybridization of mRNA from adenovirus-transformed cells to segments of the adenovirus genome.

Cytoplasmic viral-specific RNA from the 8617 line of adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) transformed rat cells was hybridized to DNA fragments derived either by Eco-RI or Sma-I restriction endonucleases. Three discrete classes of viral RNA (26S, 20S, and 15S) were detected by hybridization of total cytoplasmic RNA with the fragment, and all of these RNA molecules also hybridized to the much smaller Sma-E fragment of Ad2 DNA. Poly (A)-containing RNA (exposed to 90% formamide) contained only the 20S and 15S mRNA species, suggesting that the 26S RNA might be an aggregated species. Viral RNA of the same size derived from the same regions of the genome has not been detected in lytically infected cells, suggesting some change in the pattern of transcription or RNA processing of the Ad2 DNA in the integrated state.