Fragments from both termini of the herpes simplex virus type 1 genome contain signals required for the encapsidation of viral DNA

Stow, N.D., McMonagle, E.C. and Davison, A.J. (1983) Fragments from both termini of the herpes simplex virus type 1 genome contain signals required for the encapsidation of viral DNA. Nucleic Acids Research, 11(23), pp. 8205-8220. (doi: 10.1093/nar/11.23.8205)

Abstract

A 535 base pair DNA fragment which maps entirely within the IRS/TRS regions of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome and contains all the cis-acting signals necessary for it to function as an origin of viral DNA replication has previously been identified (N.D. Stow and E.C. McMonagle, Virology, in press). When BHK cells were transfected with circular plasmid molecules containing cloned copies of this DNA fragment, and superinfected with wt HSV-1 as helper, amplification of the input plasmid was detected. Two observations indicated that the amplified DNA was not packaged into virus particles. Firstly, when the transfected cells were disrupted the amplified DNA was susceptible to digestion by added DNase, and secondly, it was not possible to further propagate the DNA when virus from the cells was passaged. Fragments from the joint region and from both termini of the viral genome were inserted into origin-containing plasmids and the resulting constructs analysed. In all cases the inserted fragment allowed the amplified DNA to be further passaged, and a proportion to become resistant to digestion with DNase. These observations suggest that signals required for the encapsidation of HSV-1 DNA are located within DNA sequences shared by the inserted fragments and therefore lie within the reiterated ‘a’ sequence of the viral genome.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stow, Dr Nigel and McMonagle, Mrs Linda and Davison, Professor Andrew
• Authors: Stow, N.D., McMonagle, E.C., and Davison, A.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Nucleic Acids Research
• Journal Abbr.: Nuc. Acids Res.
• ISSN: 0305-1048
• ISSN (Online): 1362-4962