title: Genomic localization, sequence analysis, and transcription of the putative human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase gene.
abstract: The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-induced DNA polymerase has been well characterized biochemically and functionally, but its genomic location has not yet been assigned. To identify the coding sequence, cross-hybridization with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) polymerase gene was used, as suggested by the close similarity of the herpes group virus-induced DNA polymerases to the HCMV DNA polymerase. A cosmid and plasmid library of the entire HCMV genome was screened with the BamHI Q fragment of HSV-1 at different stringency conditions. One PstI-HincII restriction fragment of 850 base pairs mapping within the EcoRI M fragment of HCMV cross-hybridized at Tm - 25 degrees C. Sequence analysis revealed one open reading frame spanning the entire sequence. The amino acid sequence showed a highly conserved domain of 133 amino acids shared with the HSV and putative Epstein-Barr virus polymerase sequences. This domain maps within the C-terminal part of the HSV polymerase gene, which has been suggested to contain part of the catalytic center of the enzyme. Transcription analysis revealed one 5.4-kilobase early transcript in the sense orientation with respect to the open reading frame identified. This transcript appears to code for the 140-kilodalton HCMV polymerase protein.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000378:metabolism; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics*; D005796:Genes; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase