Multiple 3' ends of mRNA encoding vaccinia virus growth factor occur within a series of repeated sequences downstream of T clusters

The role of vaccinia termination factor and cis-acting elements in vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination requires the virion form of the viral RNA polymerase (vRNAP), Nucleoside Triphosphate Phosphohydrolase I (NPHI), ATP, the vaccinia termination factor (VTF), and a U5NU termination signal in the nascent transcript. VTF, also the viral mRNA capping enzyme, binds U5NU, and NPHI hydrolyzes ATP to release the transcript. NPHI can release transcripts independent of VTF and U5NU if vRNAP is not actively elongating. However, VTF and U5NU are required for transcript release from an elongating vRNAP, suggesting that the function of VTF and U5NU may be to stall the polymerase. Here we demonstrate that VTF inhibits transcription elongation by enhancing vRNAP pausing. Hence VTF provides the connection between the termination signal in the RNA transcript and viral RNA polymerase to initiate transcription termination. We also provide evidence that a second cis-acting element downstream of U5NU influences the location and efficiency of early gene transcription termination.

Role of forward translocation in nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I)-mediated transcription termination of vaccinia virus early genes

Termination of transcription of vaccinia virus early genes requires the virion form of the viral RNA polymerase (RNAP), a termination signal (UUUUUNU) in the nascent RNA, vaccinia termination factor, nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I), and ATP. NPH I uses ATP hydrolysis to mediate transcript release, and in vitro, ATPase activity requires single-stranded DNA. NPH I shows sequence similarity with the DEXH-box family of proteins, which includes an Escherichia coli ATP-dependent motor protein, Mfd. Mfd releases transcripts and rescues arrested transcription complexes by moving the transcription elongation complex downstream on the DNA template in the absence of transcription elongation. This mechanism is known as forward translocation. In this study, we demonstrate that NPH I also uses forward translocation to catalyze transcript release from viral RNAP. Moreover, we show that NPH I-mediated release can occur at a stalled RNAP in the absence of vaccinia termination factor and U(5)NU when transcription elongation is prevented.

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination factors VTF and Rap94 interact with the U9 termination motif in the nascent RNA in a transcription ternary complex

The vaccinia virus core contains a 195 kb double stranded DNA genome, a multi-subunit RNA polymerase, transcription initiation and termination factors and mRNA processing enzymes. Upon infection, vaccinia virus early gene transcription takes place in the virus core. Transcription initiates at early promoters and terminates in response to a termination motif, UUUUUNU, in the nascent mRNA. Early gene transcription termination requires the vaccinia virus termination factor, VTF, a single stranded DNA-dependent ATPase, and NPH I, the Rap94 subunit of the virion RNA polymerase, as well as the presence of the UUUUUNU motif in the nascent RNA. The position of UUUUUNU in the ternary complex suggests that it serves as a site of interaction with one or more components of the transcription termination complex. In order to identify the factor(s) that interact with UUUUUNU a series of direct UV photo crosslinking and ribonuclease A protection studies were undertaken. Through these analyses both VTF and Rap94 were shown to interact with UUUUUNU in the isolated ternary complex. Evidence indicates that the interaction is not mutually exclusive. VTF was shown to bind to UUUUUNU through the N-terminal domain of the large D1 subunit. Furthermore, VTF protects from RNAse A digestion both the 5' region of the nascent transcript as well as a large central component containing UUUUUNU. The addition of an oligonucleotide containing the (5Br)U9 sequence both directly inhibits transcription termination, in vitro and inhibits UV photo crosslinking of VTF to the nascent RNA in the ternary complex. These results support a model in which the availability of the UUUUUNU motif outside of the transcribing RNA polymerase permits binding of both transcription termination factors, VTF and Rap94, to UUUUUNU. The assembly of this termination complex initiates the transcription termination sequence.

Determinants of vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription requires the vaccinia termination factor, VTF, nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, NPH I, ATP, the virion RNA polymerase, and the motif, UUUUUNU, in the nascent RNA, found within 30 to 50 bases from the poly A addition site, in vivo. In this study, the relationships among the vaccinia early gene transcription termination efficiency, termination motif specificity, and the elongation rate were investigated. A low transcription elongation rate maximizes termination efficiency and minimizes specificity for the UUUUUNU motif. Positioning the termination motif over a 63 base area upstream from the RNA polymerase allowed efficient transcript release, demonstrating a remarkable plasticity in the transcription termination complex. Efficient transcript release was observed during ongoing transcription, independent of VTF or UUUUUNU, but requiring both NPH I and either ATP or dATP. This argues for a two step model: the specifying step, requiring both VTF and UUUUUNU, and the energy-dependent step employing NPH I and ATP. Evaluation of NPH I mutants for the ability to stimulate transcription elongation demonstrated that ATPase activity and a stable interaction between NPH I and the Rap94 subunit of the viral RNA polymerase are required. These observations demonstrate that NPH I is a component of the elongating RNA polymerase, which is catalytically active during transcription elongation.

Phenotypic analysis of a temperature sensitive mutant in the large subunit of the vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme

The heterodimeric vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme is a multifunctional enzyme, encoded by genes D1R and D12L. Published biochemical experiments demonstrate that, in addition to mRNA capping, the enzyme is involved in early viral gene transcription termination and intermediate viral gene transcription initiation. This paper presents the phenotypic characterization of Dts36, a temperature sensitive mutant in the large subunit of the mRNA capping enzyme (G705D), encoded by gene D1R. At the non-permissive temperature, Dts36 displays decreased steady state levels of some early RNAs, suggesting a defect in mRNA capping. Mutant infections also show decreased steady state levels of some early proteins, while DNA replication and post-replicative gene expression are absent. Under non-permissive conditions, the mutant directs synthesis of longer-than-normal early mRNAs from some genes, demonstrating that early gene transcription termination is defective. If mutant infections are initiated at the permissive temperature and shifted to the non-permissive temperature late during infection, steady state levels of intermediate gene transcripts decrease while the levels of late gene transcripts remain constant, consistent with a defect in intermediate gene transcription initiation. In addition to its previously described role in mRNA capping, the results presented in this study provide the first in vivo evidence that the vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme plays a role in early gene transcription termination and intermediate gene transcription.

Effect of UTP sugar and base modifications on vaccinia virus early gene transcription

Prior efforts demonstrated that RNA oligonucleotides containing the transcription termination signal UUUUUNU stimulate premature termination of vaccinia virus early gene transcription, in vitro. This observation suggests that viral transcription termination may be an attractive target for the development of anti-poxvirus agents. Since short RNA molecules are readily susceptible to nuclease digestion, their use would require stabilizing modifications. In order to evaluate the effect of both ribose and uracil modifications of the U5NU signal on early gene transcription termination, UTP derivatives harboring modifications to the uracil base, the 2' position of the ribose sugar and the phosphodiester bond were examined in an in vitro vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination system. Incorporation of 4-S-U, 5-methyl-U, 2-S-U, pseudo U and 2'-F-dU into the nascent transcript inhibited transcription termination. 6-aza-U, 2'-amino-U, 2'-azido-U and 2'-O methyl-U inhibited transcription elongation resulting in the accumulation of short transcripts. The majority of the short transcripts remained in the ternary complex and could be chased into full-length transcripts. Initially, derivatives of all uridines in the termination signal were tested. Partial modification of the termination signal reduced termination activity, as well. Introduction of 2'-O methyl ribose to the first three uridines of the U9 termination signal reduced the ability of U9 containing oligonucleotides to stimulate in vitro transcription termination, in trans. Further modifications eliminated this activity. Thus, viral early gene transcription termination demonstrates a rigorous requirement for a U5NU signal that is unable to tolerate modification to the base or sugar. Additionally, VTF was shown to enhance transcription elongation through the T9 sequence in the template. These results suggest that VTF may play a subtle role in early gene transcription elongation in addition to its known function in mRNA cap formation, early gene transcription termination and intermediate gene transcription initiation.

UUUUUNU oligonucleotide inhibition of RNA synthesis in vaccinia virus cores

Recent results from this laboratory demonstrated the ability of U5NU-containing oligonucleotides to stimulate premature termination of early gene transcription in vitro. Further studies on the oligonucleotide sequence and structural requirements for stimulating premature termination demonstrated that only oligonucleotides possessing ribouracil U9 with a phosphodiester linkage are active. Because an oligonucleotide as short as 9 bases serves as an effective stimulator of premature transcription termination, we reasoned that short U5NU-containing oligonucleotides might serve as efficacious anti-poxvirus agents because they would prevent the synthesis of full-sized early mRNA. To be useful in vivo, the oligonucleotides must not only be taken up by the infected cells, but also be able to enter the virus core, the site of early gene transcription, and retain their ability to stimulate premature termination. The ability of U9-containing oligonucleotides to inhibit virus core RNA synthesis was evaluated. The U5NU oligonucleotides exhibited a dramatic sequence-specific inhibition of core RNA synthesis, consistent with their ability to stimulate premature termination of early gene transcription. Moreover, the concentration of U5NU oligonucleotide required to exhibit half maximal inhibition of RNA synthesis was found to be less for a 9 mer RNA than it was for a 17 or 22 mer RNA. This suggests the possibility that the smaller oligonucleotides may have easier access to the core. This observation lends support to the notion that such oligonucleotides might serve as effective anti-poxvirus therapeutic agents.

UUUUUNU stimulation of vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination. Oligonucleotide sequence and structural requirements for stimulation of premature termination in vitro

Vaccinia virus early genes are unique in that transcription terminates in a signal- and factor-dependent manner. Recent results from this laboratory demonstrated that a 22-mer RNA oligonucleotide containing a central U9 sequence exhibited sequence- and concentration-dependent stimulation of premature transcription termination and transcript release in trans. In an effort to better understand the different aspects of the U5NU stimulation of premature termination, we evaluated the activity of various oligonucleotides in vitro. Neither RNA containing a mutant U5NU signal nor single-stranded DNA containing T5NT was able to stimulate premature termination, demonstrating both sequence specificity and a requirement for ribose. Furthermore, neither oligonucleotide was able to compete with U5NU, demonstrating that each failed to bind to the U5NU recognition factor. Substitution of the U9 signal with either BrU9 or BrdU9 inhibited normal termination but did not stimulate premature termination. The addition of BrdU5NdU inhibited U5NU stimulation of premature termination, demonstrating that both oligonucleotides bind to the same site on the U5NU recognition factor. Finally, U5NU containing RNA as short as nine bases served as an effective stimulator of premature termination. These observations impact directly on the development of oligonucleotide based anti-poxvirus therapeutic agents.

Effect of selected mutations in the C-terminal region of the vaccinia virus nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I on binding to the H4L subunit of the viral RNA polymerase and early gene transcription termination in vitro

Vaccinia virus nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I) is an essential early gene transcription termination factor. The C-terminal end of NPH I binds to the N-terminal end of the H4L subunit (RAP94) of the virion RNA polymerase. This interaction is required for transcription termination and transcript release. To refine our understanding of the specific amino acids in the C-terminal end of NPH I involved in binding to H4L, and to develop a collection of mutations exhibiting various degrees of activity to be employed in in vivo studies, we prepared a set of short deletions, and clustered substitutions of charged amino acids to alanine, or bulky hydrophobic amino acids to alanine mutations. These NPH I mutant proteins were expressed, purified, and tested for ATPase activity, binding to H4L, and transcription termination activity. Most mutations in amino acids 609 to 631 exhibited reduced activity. Deletion of the terminal five amino acids (627-631), or substitution of Y(629) with alanine or glutamic acid, dramatically reduced NPH I mediated transcription termination. Deletion of the terminal F(631), or substitution of F(631) with alanine, reduced binding to H4L and eliminated termination activity. These observations demonstrate that the terminal five amino acids directly participate in binding to RNA polymerase and in early gene transcription termination.

UUUUUNU oligonucleotide stimulation of vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination, in trans

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination requires the vaccinia termination factor (VTF), NPH I, a single stranded DNA-dependent ATPase, the virion form of RNA polymerase containing the Rap 94 subunit, and the signal UUUUUNU, which resides in the nascent mRNA, located 30 to 50 bases upstream from the poly(A) addition site. Evidence indicates that a required termination factor acts through binding to the UUUUUNU signal. To further investigate the function of UUUUUNU, the ability of UUUUUNU containing oligonucleotides to inhibit transcription termination was tested. A 22-mer RNA oligonucleotide containing a central U9 sequence exhibited sequence and concentration-dependent stimulation of premature transcription termination and transcript release, in trans. Activation of premature termination required VTF, NPH I, Rap 94, and ATP, demonstrating that the normal termination machinery was employed. Premature termination was not stimulated by RNA harboring a mutant UUUUUNU, demonstrating specificity. These data are consistent with a model in which a required termination factor is converted from an inactive to an active form by binding to a UUUUUNU containing oligonucleotide. The active termination factor then interacts with the ternary complex stimulating transcription termination through the normal mechanism, independent of the nascent mRNA sequence.

Regulation of viral transcription elongation and termination during vaccinia virus infection

Vaccinia virus provides a useful genetic and biochemical tool for studies of the basic mechanisms of eukaryotic transcription. Vaccinia genes are transcribed in three successive gene classes during infection, early, intermediate, and late. Vaccinia transcription is regulated primarily by virus gene products not only during initiation, but also during elongation and termination. The factors and mechanisms regulating early elongation and termination differ from those regulating intermediate and late gene expression. Control of transcription elongation and termination in vaccinia virus bears some similarity to the same process in other prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, yet features some novel mechanisms as well.

The viral RNA polymerase H4L subunit is required for Vaccinia virus early gene transcription termination

Vaccinia virus early gene transcription is catalyzed by a multisubunit virion form of RNA polymerase that possesses a unique subunit, H4L. Prior studies from this laboratory showed that the NH(2)-terminal domain of H4L, containing amino acids 1-195, interacts with the COOH-terminal end of nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I), an ATPase that is employed in early gene transcription termination. Carboxyl-terminal deletion mutations of NPH I lose both the ability to mediate transcription termination and binding to H4L, providing evidence that the interaction between NPH I and H4L is required for termination. In order to test this model further, antibodies raised against segments of H4L were tested for their ability to inhibit transcription termination in vitro. A bead-bound template was employed in these studies, which permitted us to separate transcription initiation from elongation and termination. Antibodies raised against H4L amino acids 1-256 inhibited termination in an in vitro assay using virus-infected cell extracts lacking NPH I, but antibodies raised against H4L amino acids 568-795 did not. Preincubation of anti-H4L(1-256) antibodies with H4L fragments 1-256 or 1-195 prevented antibody inhibition of termination, demonstrating that inhibition was mediated by antibody binding to one or more epitopes in the NH(2)-terminal end of H4L. Antibody inhibition of termination is reduced in wild type virus-infected cell extracts containing NPH I. Furthermore, preincubation of a NPH I minus cell extract with NPH I prior to antibody addition, or readdition of NPH I to isolated ternary complexes prepared in the absence of NPH I, prevented antibody inhibition of transcription termination. These data show that NPH I and the inhibitory antibodies compete for a binding site(s) on H4L, providing further evidence that the H4L subunit of the vaccinia virus RNA polymerase plays a direct role in transcription termination.

Interaction between nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I and the H4L subunit of the viral RNA polymerase is required for vaccinia virus early gene transcript release

Signal-dependent termination is restricted to early poxvirus genes whose transcription is catalyzed by the virion form of RNA polymerase. Two termination factors have been identified. Vaccinia termination factor/capping enzyme is a multifunctional heterodimer that also catalyzes the first three steps of mRNA cap formation and is an essential intermediate gene transcription initiation factor. Nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I) is a single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase. COOH-terminal deletion mutations of NPH I retain both ATPase and DNA binding activities but are unable either to terminate transcription or to act as dominant negative mutants in vitro. One appealing model posits that the COOH-terminal region of NPH I binds to one or more components in the termination complex. In an attempt to identify NPH I-related protein/protein interactions involved in transcription termination, a series of pull-down experiments were done. Among several vaccinia virus proteins tested, the H4L subunit, unique to the virion form of RNA polymerase, was shown to bind glutathione S-transferase (GST)-NPH I. To further confirm this interaction in virus-infected cells, we constructed recombinant vaccinia virus, vNPHINGST, that expresses GST-tagged NPH I. The H4L subunit of virion RNA polymerase specifically co-purified with GST-NPH I, consistent with a physical interaction. Through the analysis of a series of NH(2)- and COOH-terminal truncation mutations of H4L, the NPH I interaction site was localized to the NH(2)-terminal 195 amino acids of the H4L protein. The H4L binding site on NPH I was mapped to the COOH-terminal region between 457 and 631. Furthermore, COOH-terminal deletion mutations of NPH I failed to bind the NH(2)-terminal region of H4L, explaining their inability to support transcription termination. The COOH-terminal end of NPH I was also shown to be required for transcript release activity and for dominant negative inhibition of release. The requirement for an essential interaction between NPH I and H4L provides an explanation for the observed restriction of transcription termination to early viral genes.

Vaccinia virus gene A18R DNA helicase is a transcript release factor

Prior phenotypic analysis of a vaccinia virus gene A18R mutant, Cts23, showed the synthesis of longer than wild type (Wt) length viral transcripts during the intermediate stage of infection, indicating that the A18R protein may act as a negative transcription elongation factor. The purpose of the work described here was to determine a biochemical activity for the A18R protein. Pulse-labeled transcription complexes established from intermediate virus promoters on bead-bound DNA templates were assayed for transcript release during an elongation step that contained nucleotides and various proteins. Pulse-labeled transcription complexes elongated in the presence of only nucleotides were unable to release nascent RNA. The addition of Wt extract during the elongation phase resulted in release of the nascent transcript, indicating that additional factors present in the Wt extract are capable of inducing transcript release. Extract from Cts23 or mock-infected cells was unable to induce release. The lack of release upon addition of Cts23 extract suggests that A18R is involved in release of nascent RNA. By itself, purified polyhistidine-tagged A18R protein (His-A18R) was unable to induce release; however, release did occur in the presence of purified His-A18R protein plus extract from either Cts23 or mock-infected cells. These data taken together indicate that A18R is necessary but not sufficient for release of nascent transcripts. We have also demonstrated that the combination of A18R protein and mock extract induces transcript release in an ATP-dependent manner, consistent with the fact that the A18R protein is an ATP-dependent helicase. Further analysis revealed that the release activity is not restricted to a vaccinia intermediate promoter but is observed using pulse-labeled transcription complexes initiated from all three viral gene class promoters. Therefore, we conclude that A18R and an as yet unidentified cellular factor(s) are required for the in vitro release of nascent RNA from a vaccinia virus transcription elongation complex.

A polyadenylylation-specific RNA-contact site on the surface of the bifunctional vaccinia virus RNA modifying protein VP39 that is distinct from the mRNA 5' end-binding "cleft"

VP39 is a bifunctional mRNA-modifying protein that acts as both an mRNA cap-specific 2'-O-methyltransferase and a processivity factor for VP55, the vaccinia poly(A) polymerase catalytic subunit. Although regions of the protein surface required for methyltransferase function are well defined, it has been unclear whether the protein polyadenylylation function requires direct RNA contact and, if so, where the contact site(s) might be located on the protein surface. Here, we show that the VP55-VP39 heterodimer forms a stable complex with a 50mer oligonucleotide bearing a U2-N25-U motif, as opposed to the U2-N15-U motif that is optimal for stable complex formation with VP55 alone. An oligonucleotide bearing a U2-N25-U motif in which the downstream U residue is replaced with 4thioU can be efficiently photocrosslinked to VP39, but only in the context of the VP55-VP39 heterodimer. By partial proteolysis of end-labeled VP39, the site of oligonucleotide photocrosslinking was localized to the region of VP39 between residues Lys90 and Arg122. Peptide microsequencing and confirmatory mutagenesis identified the side-chain of Arg107 as the photocrosslinking site. Substitution of this residue with lysine abolished photocrosslinking entirely, consistent with the established RNA binding role of arginine in other RNA-binding proteins. This study provides clear evidence for a polyadenylylation-specific RNA-contact site on the surface of VP39, which is distinct from the RNA-binding methyltransferase "cleft" characterized in recent crystallographic and biochemical studies.

Specific recognition of an rU2-N15-rU motif by VP55, the vaccinia virus poly(A) polymerase catalytic subunit

VP55, the vaccinia poly(A) polymerase catalytic subunit, interacts with oligonucleotide primers via two uridylate recognition sites (Deng, L., and Gershon, P. D. (1997) EMBO J. 16, 1103-1113). Here, we show that the cognate RNA sequence comprises a 5'-rU2-N15-rU-3' motif (where N = any deoxyribo or ribonucleotide), embedded within oligonucleotide primers 29-30 nucleotides (nt), or greater, in length. Nine residues separate the 3'-most ribouridylate of the optimally positioned motif from the primer 3'-OH. A ribose sugar at the extreme 3'-terminal nucleotide of the primer is absolutely required for VP55's adenylyltransferase activity, but not for stable VP55-RNA interaction. A ribose at position -3 markedly stimulates both adenylyltransferase activity and stable binding. The use of uridine analogs indicated (i) those functional groups of the uracil base which contribute to stable VP55-primer interaction, and (ii) that VP55's ability to discriminate uracil from cytosine stems largely from the requirement for a protonated N3 nitrogen within the pyrimidine ring. The rU2-N15-rU motif was identified within the uridylate-rich 3' end of a naturally occurring vaccinia mRNA. However, oligonucleotides whose only internal uridylates comprised the motif supported only a 3-5-nt processive burst of oligo(A) tail addition, as opposed to the approximately 30-35-nt burst observed with the naturally occurring 3' end.

Vaccinia virions lacking the RNA helicase nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase II are defective in early transcription

Temperature-sensitive mutations (ts10, ts18, and ts39) of the vaccinia virus RNA helicase nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase II (NPH-II) result in the production of noninfectious progeny virions at the restrictive temperature. The noninfectious mutant particles contain the wild-type complement of virion core and envelope polypeptides, as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results of Western blot (immunoblot) analysis indicate that these particles lack NPH-II, whereas other enzymatic components of the virus core are present. These components include the following: DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunits rpo147, rpo132, rpo94, rpo35, rpo30, rpo22, and rpo18; early transcription initiation factor subunits A8 and D6; mRNA capping enzyme subunits D1 and D12; RNA cap 2'-O-methyltransferase; A18 DNA helicase; DNA-dependent ATPase NPH-I; and DNA topoisomerase. Although RNA polymerase is encapsidated by the mutant viruses, mRNA synthesis in vitro by permeabilized mutant virions is only 5 to 20% that of the wild-type virus, as judged by nucleoside monophosphate incorporation into acid-insoluble material. Moreover, the transcripts synthesized by the mutant particles are longer than normal and remain virion associated. Transcription initiation by mutant virions occurs accurately at an endogenous genomic promoter, albeit at reduced levels (1 to 7%) compared with that of wild-type virions. In contrast, extracts of the mutant virions catalyze the wild-type level of transcription from an exogenous template containing an early promoter. We conclude that NPH-II is required for early mRNA synthesis uniquely in the context of the virus particle. Possible roles in transcription termination and RNA transport are discussed.

Homologs of vascular endothelial growth factor are encoded by the poxvirus orf virus

A gene encoding a polypeptide with homology to mammalian vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) has been discovered in the genome of orf virus (OV), a parapoxvirus that affects sheep and goats and, occasionally, humans. The gene is transcribed abundantly early in infection and is found immediately outside the inverted terminal repeat at the right end of the genome. In the NZ2 strain of OV (OV NZ2), the gene encodes a polypeptide with a molecular size of 14.7 kDa, while in another strain, OV NZ7, there is a variant gene that encodes a polypeptide of 16 kDa. The OV NZ2 and OV NZ7 polypeptides show 22 to 27% and 16 to 23% identity, respectively, to the mammalian VEGFs. The viral polypeptides are only 41.1% identical to each other, and there is little homology between the two genes at the nucleotide level. Another unusual feature of these genes is their G+C content, particularly that of OV NZ7. In a genome that is otherwise 63% G+C, the OV NZ2 gene is 57.2% G+C and the OV NZ7 gene is 39.7% G+C. The OV NZ2 gene, but not the OV NZ7 gene, is homologous to the mammalian VEGF genes at the DNA level, suggesting that the gene has been acquired from a mammalian host and is undergoing genetic drift. The lesions induced in sheep and humans after infection with OV show extensive dermal vascular endothelial proliferation and dilatation, and it is likely that this is a direct effect of the expression of the VEGF-like gene.

Transcription of viral late genes is dependent on expression of the viral intermediate gene G8R in cells infected with an inducible conditional-lethal mutant vaccinia virus

There are three temporal classes of vaccinia virus genes: early, intermediate, and late. The object of this study was to determine the effects on virus replication of regulating the expression of G8R, an intermediate gene that encodes a late transcription factor. We inserted the lac operator adjacent to the RNA start site of the G8R gene in a recombinant vaccinia virus that constitutively expresses the Escherichia coli lac repressor to make expression of the G8R gene dependent on the inducer isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). In case repression would not be complete, we also weakened the promoter of the G8R gene by making a single-nucleotide substitution designed to reduce its basal level of transcription. The mutant virus replicated well in the presence of the inducer, although synthesis of the G8R-encoded 30,000-M(r) protein was only 10% of that of the wild-type virus. In the absence of IPTG, (i) synthesis of the G8R protein was inhibited by more than 99% relative to that of the wild-type virus, (ii) synthesis of early and intermediate mRNAs appeared to be unaffected, (iii) intermediate proteins accumulated to higher than normal levels, (iv) synthesis of late mRNA and protein was reduced by about 90%, (v) viral DNA was replicated but incompletely resolved concatemeric molecules accumulated, (vi) not even the earliest stages of virion assembly were detectable by transmission electron microscopy, and (vii) virus yield under one-step growth conditions and plaque formation were 10(-3) and 10(-4) times the wild-type values, respectively. The defect in late gene expression could be overcome by transfection of a G8R gene that was not under lac operator control, as well as by addition of IPTG, further demonstrating the specificity of the repression. The correlation between decreased expression of the G8R intermediate gene and inhibition of late mRNA synthesis is consistent with the notion that the G8R product serves as an essential late transcription factor and supports a cascade mechanism of vaccinia virus gene regulation. In addition, the inducer-dependent vaccinia virus mutant provided a tool for selective inhibition of late gene expression while allowing synthesis of early and intermediate mRNAs and proteins.

Transcriptional analysis of multigene family 110 of African swine fever virus

A transcriptional analysis of the 3.2-kb region of the African swine fever virus genome containing the five members of the multigene family 110 is presented. The mRNAs corresponding to the genes studied have short leader sequences with no intervening AUG codons before the translational start site, and their 3' ends map within a conserved sequence motif formed by a stretch of seven or more consecutive thymidylate residues. The possible role of this sequence as a signal for the 3'-end formation of African swine fever virus mRNAs is discussed. While four of the genes studied are actively transcribed from the beginning of the infection until the onset of virus DNA replication, the transcription of one of the members of the multigene family 110, the L270 gene, is silenced at an earlier time. A detailed analysis, including in vitro translation of mRNAs isolated from infected Vero cells, revealed that the L270 gene belongs to a small subset of early genes, designated immediate early, whose transcription is silenced before the onset of virus DNA replication. The transcriptional data obtained enabled us to generate the first detailed transcriptional map of a region of the African swine fever virus genome, thus opening the possibility of studying the cis-acting sequences involved in transcriptional control of the viral genes.

Transition from rapid processive to slow nonprocessive polyadenylation by vaccinia virus poly(A) polymerase catalytic subunit is regulated by the net length of the poly(A) tail

The mRNA of vaccinia virus, like that of eukaryotes, possesses a poly(A) tail. VP55, the catalytic subunit of the heterodimeric vaccinia virus poly(A) polymerase, was overexpressed and purified to near homogeneity. VP55 polyadenylated a 30-mer primer representing the 3' end of a vaccinia virus mRNA bimodally: 30-35 adenylates were added in a rapid, processive, initial burst, after which polyadenylation decelerated dramatically and became nonprocessive. Polyadenylation of variants of the 30-mer primer, which contained preformed 3'-oligo(A) extensions, showed that the transition between the two modes of polyadenylation was regulated by the net length of the 3'-oligo(A) tail rather than the number of adenylate additions catalyzed by VP55. Primers comprising oligo(A) alone were polyadenylated only if they were greater than 34 nucleotides in length and, then, only in the slow nonprocessive mode. These data support a dynamic model whereby the mode of polyadenylation by VP55 is regulated by sequences within the 3' 30-35 nucleotides of the mRNA: Polyadenylation is rapid and processive until a net 3'-oligo(A) length of 30-35 nucleotides is achieved. Consistent with this, excess oligo(A) did not compete with the 30-mer primer for rapid processive polyadenylation. The primer specificity of VP55 may contribute to the selective polyadenylation of newly formed mRNA.

Ternary complex formation by vaccinia virus RNA polymerase at an early viral promoter: analysis by native gel electrophoresis

We have resolved, by native gel electrophoresis, two intermediates in the transcription of a vaccinia virus early gene by the virus-encoded RNA polymerase. Polymerase holoenzyme containing the vaccinia virus early transcription factor (VETF) forms a complex of VETF bound to the promoter as the first step in a pathway leading to establishment of a committed ternary elongation complex. Formation of the VETF-DNA complex is stimulated by magnesium but is uninfluenced by nucleoside triphosphates. A stable binary complex of RNA polymerase bound to DNA is not detected. Assembly of a gel-stable polymerase-DNA complex depends on conditions permissive for RNA synthesis. Nucleotide omission experiments suggest that at least a tetrameric RNA must be made before a ternary complex is stabilized. RNA analysis indicates that complexes containing nascent transcripts 20 nucleotides long are stable and active. Ternary complex formation requires hydrolyzable ATP. This is consistent with an essential role for the ATPase activity of VETF at a step subsequent to DNA binding, as proposed by Broyles (S. S. Broyles, J. Biol. Chem. 266:15545-15548, 1991). The ternary complex, once formed, is resistant to dissociation by competitor DNA, as well as by salt, Sarkosyl, and heparin. The effects of these inhibitory agents on transcription complex formation suggest that they target different steps in the assembly pathway.

Role of DNA replication in vaccinia virus gene expression: a naked template is required for transcription of three late trans-activator genes

The DNA replication requirement for vaccinia virus late gene expression was mimicked by transfecting a late promoter-controlled reporter gene into infected cells in the presence of a DNA synthesis inhibitor. This late promoter activation block was overcome by cotransfecting either naked linear vaccinia virion DNA or three cloned viral genes encoding trans-activator polypeptides of 17, 26, and 30 kd. These newly identified trans-activator genes were independently transcribed only from replicated or transfected DNA. These data suggest a regulatory cascade in which the parental viral genome serves as a template for the RNA polymerase and early promoter-specific transcription factors that are packaged in the infectious particle; the newly replicated DNA is accessible to sequentially synthesized intermediate promoter- and late promoter-specific trans-activators.

Identification and DNA sequence of the Shope fibroma virus DNA topoisomerase gene

The Shope fibroma virus (SFV) DNA topoisomerase gene has been identified and mapped to the BamHI D fragment near the midpoint of the genome. The DNA sequence of the SFV BamHI S fragment together with the contiguous BamHI-ClaI subfragment of BamHI D which encompasses the topoisomerase gene and two flanking genes has been determined and analyzed. Both the SFV DNA topoisomerase and the two flanking genes are closely related in terms of sequence and spatial organization to the homologous sequences from the midpoint of the vaccinia virus genome, indicating that these proteins are conserved not only in their sequence but also by position within the poxvirus genome. To confirm the assignment of the SFV gene, the putative SFV DNA topoisomerase has been expressed as an active fusion protein in Escherichia coli and this system should be useful in the analysis of topoisomerase function following the introduction of targeted mutations into the topoisomerase gene. The results of this work shed further light on the evolutionary relationship of the different poxvirus genera and indicate that central unique regions of the poxvirus genomes contain many of the essential viral genes and are thus highly conserved.

Removal of cryptic poxvirus transcription termination signals from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope gene enhances expression and immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccinia virus

The in vivo role of the proposed poxvirus early transcription termination signal TTTTTNT was confirmed by analysis of the RNA species made by recombinant vaccinia viruses. Premature transcription termination occurred following each of two TTTTTNT sequences present naturally within the coding region of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope gene. Alteration of the TTTTTNT sequences, without changing the encoded amino acids, resulted in production of full-length early mRNAs, improved protein expression, and a more consistent immune response.

Tumorigenic poxviruses: characterization of an early promoter from Shope fibroma virus

A strong early promoter from the T1 open reading frame (ORF) within the terminal inverted repeat (TIR) of Shope fibroma virus (SFV) has been isolated and characterized. Promoter activity was determined by a transient gene expression assay in poxvirus-infected cells using the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase as a reporter gene. The sequences which constitute the boundaries of the promoter element were determined by 5' and 3' deletion analysis. The functional SFV T1 promoter domain comprises about 28 bp and includes, in addition to the transcriptional initiation site, a stretch of eight continuous A residues from position -18 to -11 which is critical for promoter function. Both the SFV T1 promoter and the vaccinia 7.5-kDa early/late promoter are active in the transient expression assay when the cells are infected with either the leporipoxvirus SFV or the orthopoxvirus vaccinia. To look more closely at the conservation of promoter function between poxvirus genera, a recombinant vaccinia virus containing the CAT gene driven by the SFV T1 promoter and a recombinant SFV containing the CAT gene driven by the vaccinia 7.5-kDa early/late promoters was constructed. The SFV T1 promoter behaves as an early promoter in the vaccinia genome, and both the T1 and the 7.5-kDa early/late promoters use transcriptional initiation sites in their heterologous genomic environment that are identical to the ones used in the native viral genome. The results from this work indicate that despite the relative lack of absolute sequence conservation, the transcriptional machinery, at least with respect to temporal regulation of early promoters and the position of transcript initiation, is conserved between these two poxvirus genera.

Vaccinia virus late transcripts generated in vitro have a poly(A) head

A cell free system mediating accurate transcription of vaccinia virus genes was established using lysates of cells in the late phase of infection. Vaccinia late genes are faithfully transcribed in this extract whereas cellular pol II and pol III promoters are not recognized. The late viral transcripts contain a poly(A) head of approximately 35 nt at the 5' end which is not co-linearly encoded in the externally added template. The transcripts obtained in vitro are indistinguishable from the mature in vivo RNAs. The poly(A) head is synthesized de novo and its formation appears to be directly coupled to the transcription of the gene. The synthesis of the poly(A) head transcripts in vitro is consistent with a proposed slippage model.

Sequence and transcriptional analysis of the vaccinia virus HindIII I fragment

The complete sequence of the vaccinia virus HindIII I fragment, which is composed of 6,498 base pairs, encodes six complete and two incomplete open reading frames (ORFs). Computer analysis revealed an amino acid sequence homology between ORF I 4 and the large subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase complex. The two small polypeptides derived from ORFs I 2 and I 5, with molecular weights of 8,500 and 8,700, respectively, have a very high hydrophobic amino acid sequence composition. S1 analysis revealed that ORF I 4 is expressed at early stages of infection, ORFs I 1, I 2, I 5, and I 7 are expressed in the late phase of infection, and ORF I 3 is constitutively expressed. Screening a vaccinia virus genomic library revealed a large vaccinia virus insert overlapping the HindIII I and O fragments which contains a previously undetected HindIII P fragment of approximately 300 base pairs. S1 analysis revealed an early (O1) and a late (O2) start site of transcription initiation located within the HindIII O fragment.

Identification of vaccinia promoters by heterologous expression of hepatitis B surface antigen in mouse cells infected by recombinant vaccinia viruses

DNA fragments preceding open reading frames in a conserved segment of the vaccinia virus genome (Plucienniczak A., et al. (1985) Nucleic Acids Res. 13, 985-998) were cloned into plasmids upstream of the S gene of the hepatitis B virus encoding the surface antigen (HBsAg). Recombinant vaccinia virus obtained after insertion of these constructs into the thymidine kinase gene were used to infect mouse 1D cells. HBsAg was assayed in cellular supernatants. A strong promoter was thus identified in a 295 bp fragment preceding the coding region of the 147 kDa subunit of the vaccinia RNA polymerase.

Molecular genetic analysis of a vaccinia virus gene with an essential role in DNA replication

We have identified a gene encoded by vaccinia virus which is essential for DNA replication. The gene, located in the HindIII D fragment of the viral genome, is transcribed early after infection into two transcripts of 3.0 and 3.7 kilobases which share a 3' terminus. The lesions of three temperature-sensitive DNA replication mutants with defects in this gene have been localized by marker rescue with progressively smaller DNA fragments. We have determined by hybrid selection that the gene encodes an 82-kilodalton protein. An antibody has been prepared against this polypeptide and used to quantitate expression of the protein after infection with wild-type virus or with a viral mutant whose lesion maps within this gene. The temporal pattern of expression in the mutant is unaffected, but the product encoded by the mutant is significantly more thermolabile than the wild-type protein.

Tumorigenic poxviruses: genomic organization and DNA sequence of the telomeric region of the Shope fibroma virus genome

Shope fibroma virus (SFV), a tumorigenic poxvirus, has a 160-kb linear double-stranded DNA genome and possesses terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of 12.4 kb. The DNA sequence of the terminal 5.5 kb of the viral genome is presented and together with previously published sequences completes the entire sequence of the SFV TIR. The terminal 400-bp region contains no major open reading frames (ORFs) but does possess five related imperfect palindromes. The remaining 5.1 kb of the sequence contains seven tightly clustered and tandemly oriented ORFs, four larger than 100 amino acids in length (T1, T2, T4, and T5) and three smaller ORFs (T3A, T3B, and T3C). All are transcribed toward the viral hairpin and almost all possess the consensus sequence TTTTTNT near their 3' ends which has been implicated for the transcription termination of vaccinia virus early genes. Searches of the published DNA database revealed no sequences with significant homology with this region of the SFV genome but when the protein database was searched with the translation products of ORFs T1-T5 it was found that the N-terminus of the putative T4 polypeptide is closely related to the signal sequence of the hemagglutinin precursor from influenza A virus, suggesting that the T4 polypeptide may be secreted from SFV-infected cells. Examination of other SFV ORFs shows that T1 and T2 also possess signal-like hydrophobic amino acid stretches close to their N-termini. The protein database search also revealed that the putative T2 protein has significant homology to the insulin family of polypeptides. In terms of sequence repetitions, seven tandemly repeated copies of the hexanucleotide ATTGTT and three flanking regions of dyad symmetry were detected, all in ORF T3C. A search for palindromic sequences also revealed two clusters, one in ORF T3A/B and a second in ORF T2. ORF T2 harbors five short sequence domains, each of which consists of a 6-bp short palindrome and a 10- to 18-bp larger palindrome. The significance of these palindromic domains in this ORF is unclear but the coincidence of the end of one larger palindrome with the end of the translated protein sequence that has homology with the B chain of insulin suggests that the palindromes may divide the T2 protein into several functional units. The salient organizational features of the complete SFV TIR are also discussed in light of what is known about other poxviral TIRs.

Oligonucleotide sequence signaling transcriptional termination of vaccinia virus early genes

In an in vitro system containing enzymes extracted from vaccinia virions, transcription of the vaccinia growth factor gene terminated approximately 50 base pairs downstream of a thymidine-rich sequence. Deletion mutagenesis suggested the presence of two tandem termination signals. The signal was identified by replacing the 3' end of the gene with the oligonucleotide AATTTTTAT that induced downstream termination. Further analysis of the transcripts formed with a series of templates containing 16 related synthetic oligonucleotides established the minimum functional termination signal as TTTTTNT, in which N represents any nucleotide. Termination efficiency may be increased, however, by the presence of an adenosine preceding the thymidine cluster. The general use of this signal at early times in infection but not at late times is supported by a survey of vaccinia virus gene sequences.

Identification by a random sequencing strategy of the fowlpoxvirus DNA polymerase gene, its nucleotide sequence and comparison with other viral DNA polymerases

The nucleotide sequence of the DNA polymerase gene of the avipoxvirus fowlpox is presented and the predicted amino acid sequence compared with that of the orthopoxvirus vaccinia. The results have brought to light an error in the vaccinia sequence which has resulted in the ommission of 44 amino acids from the carboxy-terminus of the vaccinia DNA polymerase. There has been extensive conservation of amino acids throughout the enzymes, and regions identified as being present in DNA polymerases from a wide range of viruses are again present here. The method used to identify the fowlpoxvirus gene could have applications towards defining genomic organisations in other viral systems.

Discontinuous transcription or RNA processing of vaccinia virus late messengers results in a 5' poly(A) leader

We have demonstrated by primer elongation and cap analysis that mature vaccinia virus late transcripts are discontinuously synthesized. We have shown that RNA transcripts from a translocated 11K and from the authentic 11K and 4b late promoters are extended by approximately 35 nucleotides beyond the "start site" determined by S1 mapping using vaccinia genomic DNA as a probe. Sequencing of the RNA and of the first strand cDNA reveal that a homopolymeric poly(A) sequence is linked to the 5' terminus of the RNA transcripts. S1 mapping of RNA transcripts with a DNA probe containing an A-stretch, replacing promoter sequences upstream of position -1, confirms the existence of a poly(A) leader of approximately 35 A-residues.

Tumorigenic poxviruses: transcriptional mapping of the terminal inverted repeats of Shope fibroma virus

A composite transcriptional map for the entire 12.4-kb terminal inverted repeat (TIR) region of the Shope fibroma virus (SFV) genome has been determined. Northern blotting and S1-nuclease mapping were used to determine the regions which are transcribed, their temporal relationships, as well as the transcriptional initiation sites. Sequences representing the entire TIR are transcribed into poly(A)+ mRNA at both early and late times in the infection. Fifteen transcriptional initiation sites were mapped, 12 within the TIRs and 3 within the unique sequences close to the junction between the right TIR and the unique internal sequences. Ten of the 12 transcriptional initiation sites within the TIR and 2 of the 3 sites outside the right TIR correspond to the 5'-ends of the major open reading frames (ORFs) T1 to T9 plus the SFV growth factor gene. The 3 other initiation sites map within ORFs but near potential start codons for shorter polypeptides. All the expressed ORFs are tandemly arranged and transcribed toward the hairpin terminus. At early times during SFV infection of cultured rabbit cells, transcription of each ORF gives rise to a transcript of distinct size, while at late times termination of transcription is imprecise and substantial read-through into downstream sequences occurs. These results are discussed in light of recent observations on the related recombinant leporipoxvirus, malignant rabbit fibroma virus, which suggest that one or more gene products from this region of the SFV genome are implicated in viral tumorigenicity.

Determination of the promoter region of an early vaccinia virus gene encoding thymidine kinase

Nine recombinant vaccinia viruses that contain overlapping segments of the putative promoter region of the vaccinia virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene linked to DNA coding for the prokaryotic enzyme chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) were constructed. In each case, the RNA start site and 5 bp of DNA downstream were retained. No significant difference in CAT expression occurred as the deletion was extended from 352 to 32 bp before the RNA start site. Deletion of a further 10 bp, however, led to complete cessation of early promoter activity. Primer extension analysis of the 5' ends of the transcripts verified that the natural TK RNA start site was still used when only 32 bp of upstream DNA remained. Loss of early promoter activity was previously found when deletions were extended from 31 to 24 bp before the RNA start site of another vaccinia gene that is expressed constitutively throughout infection (M.A. Cochran, C. Puckett, and B. Moss, 1985, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82, 19-23). Sequence similarities in the promoter regions of these two genes were noted.

Sedimentation of an RNA polymerase complex from vaccinia virus that specifically initiates and terminates transcription

A high-molecular-weight protein complex that is capable of accurate transcription initiation and termination of vaccinia virus early genes without additional factors was demonstrated. The complex was solubilized by disruption of purified virions, freed of DNA by passage through a DEAE-cellulose column, and isolated by glycerol gradient sedimentation. All detectable RNA polymerase activity was associated with the transcription complex, whereas the majority of enzymes released from virus cores including mRNA (nucleoside-2'-O)methyltransferase, poly(A) polymerase, topoisomerase, nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase II, protein kinase, and single-strand DNase sedimented more slowly. Activities corresponding to two enzymes, mRNA guanylyltransferase (capping enzyme) and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (DNA-dependent ATPase), partially sedimented with the complex. Silver-stained polyacrylamide gels, immunoblots, and autoradiographs confirmed the presence of subunits of vaccinia virus RNA polymerase, mRNA guanylyltransferase, and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, as well as additional unidentified polypeptides, in fractions with transcriptase activity. A possible role for the DNA-dependent ATPase was suggested by studies with ATP analogs with gamma-S or nonhydrolyzable beta-gamma-phosphodiester bonds. These analogs were used by vaccinia virus RNA polymerase to nonspecifically transcribe single-stranded DNA templates but did not support accurate transcription of early genes by the complex. Transcription also was sensitive to high concentrations of novobiocin; however, this effect could be attributed to inhibition of RNA polymerase or ATPase activities rather than topoisomerase.

Mapping and sequencing of a gene from myxoma virus that is related to those encoding epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha

Myxoma virus, a Leporipoxvirus and agent of myxomatosis, was shown to possess a gene with the potential to encode an epidermal growth factorlike factor. Its relationship to other members of this family, including the poxvirus growth factors from Shope fibroma virus and vaccinia virus, was analyzed. Alignment of DNA sequences and related open reading frames of myxoma virus and Shope fibroma virus indicated colinearity of genes between these poxviruses.

Conserved sequences near the early transcription start sites of vaccinia virus

Transcription start sites were determined for the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) mRNA expressed by four vaccinia virus recombinants in which the upstream insertion of shotgun-isolated vaccinia genomic fragments of 156 to 379 bp promoted this expression. Two of these fragments were related in such a manner that 62 bp separated two divergent early transcription start sites. The region of imperfect dyad symmetry revealed in this fragment is proposed to result from the presence of two divergent early transcription signals of vaccinia virus. Subsequent comparison showed that domains with high sequence homologies to those depicted by the dyad symmetry existed at comparable locations in the sequences flanking both the HSV-TK mRNA start site of the other two recombinants and that of several early vaccinia genes. Maximum homologies among these conserved sequences was obtained when they were aligned discontinuously. These studies also revealed a late mRNA start site with no more than 10 bp of vaccinia sequences upstream.

Sedimentation of an RNA polymerase complex from vaccinia virus that specifically initiates and terminates transcription

A high-molecular-weight protein complex that is capable of accurate transcription initiation and termination of vaccinia virus early genes without additional factors was demonstrated. The complex was solubilized by disruption of purified virions, freed of DNA by passage through a DEAE-cellulose column, and isolated by glycerol gradient sedimentation. All detectable RNA polymerase activity was associated with the transcription complex, whereas the majority of enzymes released from virus cores including mRNA (nucleoside-2'-O)methyltransferase, poly(A) polymerase, topoisomerase, nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase II, protein kinase, and single-strand DNase sedimented more slowly. Activities corresponding to two enzymes, mRNA guanylyltransferase (capping enzyme) and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (DNA-dependent ATPase), partially sedimented with the complex. Silver-stained polyacrylamide gels, immunoblots, and autoradiographs confirmed the presence of subunits of vaccinia virus RNA polymerase, mRNA guanylyltransferase, and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, as well as additional unidentified polypeptides, in fractions with transcriptase activity. A possible role for the DNA-dependent ATPase was suggested by studies with ATP analogs with gamma-S or nonhydrolyzable beta-gamma-phosphodiester bonds. These analogs were used by vaccinia virus RNA polymerase to nonspecifically transcribe single-stranded DNA templates but did not support accurate transcription of early genes by the complex. Transcription also was sensitive to high concentrations of novobiocin; however, this effect could be attributed to inhibition of RNA polymerase or ATPase activities rather than topoisomerase.

Transcription of vaccinia virus early genes by enzymes isolated from vaccinia virions terminates downstream of a regulatory sequence

We describe an in vitro transcription system in which the polyadenylated 3' ends of vaccinia virus mRNAs are formed by termination downstream of a regulatory signal. When linear DNA templates containing vaccinia early genes were incubated with soluble enzymes extracted from vaccinia virions, mature-size mRNAs were synthesized within 1 min, whereas longer run-off transcripts were not detected until later. Deleting a series of thymidylate residues located downstream of the coding region abolished termination. The 3' ends of the transcripts formed heterogeneously, between 50 and 70 nucleotides past the T-rich termination signal, in either viral- or vector-derived sequences. Polyadenylation of the transcripts occurred without regard to the terminal sequence and was inhibited by adding exogenous RNA. Although exogenous RNAs were also polyadenylated, processing of 3' ends was not observed.