title: Analysis of the genomic L RNA segment from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
abstract: The arenavirus genomic L RNA segment represents approximately 70% of the viral genetic material but current understanding of the organization, regulation, and functioning of the viral L products remains limited. Biological studies with reassortant viruses have implicated the L RNA segment in the lethal infection of adult guinea pigs produced by LCMV-WE but no further explanation of the pathogenic process is presently available. We have initiated a detailed molecular analysis of LCMV L products based on construction and characterization of L-specific cDNA clones and synthesis of L-specific hybridization probes. Nucleotide sequencing studies have allowed the derivation of a partial amino acid sequence for a predicted L protein and antisera raised against synthetic peptides have demonstrated an L protein in Western blotting experiments. Using this approach we have identified a single high molecular weight protein (approximately 200,000 Da) in purified virions and in viral ribonucleoprotein complexes extracted from acutely infected tissue culture cells. This L protein is translated from a nonpolyadenylated, genomic complementary L mRNA and potentially represents part or all of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: F V
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Fuller-Pace
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Buchmeier
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Southern
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D005814:Genes, Viral; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral; D014764:Viral Proteins; D004247:DNA