Blocked and unblocked 5' termini in reovirus genome RNA.
Uniformly (32)P-labeled, double-stranded genome RNA isolated from purified reovirus contains two types of 5'-terminal sequences. One strand contains a phosphatase-resistant 5'-terminal structure, XpppG(*)pCpU, which is also present in the viral mRNA. The 5' blocking group, X, is removed by beta-elimination indicating that it is a nucleoside containing free 2',3'-hydroxyls. G(*)pC is an alkaline-resistant, 2'-O-methylated sequence. The other strand contains a phosphatase-sensitive 5' sequence, ppGpPupPyp. The results are discussed in relation to blocked 5'-terminal structures in other viral and cellular RNAs.
Chow
N L
NL
Department of Cell Biology, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Nutley, New Jersey 07110.
Shatkin
A J
AJ