Rapid and transient localization of the leader RNA of vesicular stomatitis virus in the nuclei of infected cells.

Abstract
The leader RNA transcript from the 3'' end of the genome of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was detected in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of infected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. In the cytoplasm, leader RNA accumulated gradually throughout the infection to .apprx. 200 molecules per cell at 6 h after infection. In the nucleus there was a sharp and rapid increase in the concentration of leader RNA to .apprx. 300 molecules per cell at about 2 h after infection that decreased rapidly by 3 h. Evidence is presented for nuclear localization of transcription products of a (.sbd.)-strand RNA virus other than influenza; the leader RNA could play a role in the shutoff of host cell transcription.