Terminal Structure of Reovirus RNAs

Abstract

S1 nuclease analysis and 3'' terminal sequencing of the reovirus genome double-stranded RNA and in vitro produced viral mRNA were used to establish that the viral mRNA is a full length copy of the genome template. Sequence determination at the 3'' end of the genome minus strand has, by transposition, allowed determination of the 5'' terminal sequences of the viral mRNA. In all but 1 case an AUG codon which could function in initiation of protein synthesis was found within the determined sequence. The 3'' ends of the plus strands from all genome segments were found to have a common sequence. The implications of these results on the mechanism of virus replication are discussed.