Antibody to Hepatitis G Mrus after a Vapour-Heated Factor Vlll Goncentrate

To evaluate whether or not clotting factor concentrates exposed to virucidal procedures transmitted hepatitis C, sera obtained in 1984–1986 from 27 previously untreated hemophiliacs infused with a vapour-heated factor VIII concentrate were tested retrospectively for the antibody to the hepatitis C virus (anti- HCV). A 2-year-old hemophiliac, negative for anti-HCV before administration of concentrate, seroconverted at week 12 and remained anti-HCV positive thereafter. Both his parents were anti-HCV negative and he had no other household contact. The patient had also become HBsAg positive at week 8 and had at the same time a marked elevation of alanine aminotransferase. His double infection with the hepatitis B and C viruses indicates that hot vapour was not completely effective in inactivating these viruses.

Haemostatic Studies in Carbohydrate-deficient Glycoprotein Syndrome Type I

CDG syndrome (CDGS) type I is the most frequent form of a group of metabolic disorders characterised by a defect of the carbohydrate moiety of glycoproteins. A large number of plasma glycoproteins, including clotting factors and inhibitors, are decreased and stroke-like episodes have been described in about half of the reported patients. We studied blood coagulation factors, inhibitors and D-dimer plasma levels in four subjects, aged 12-23 years, with CDGS type I. Factors VIII, XI, antithrombin III activity, antigen plasma levels of antithrombin III, free protein S and protein C were decreased whereas protein C as activity was normal. In addition two patients had reduction of factors II, V, VII, IX, X reflecting the phenotypic heterogeneity associated with CDGS type I. D-dimer plasma concentrations were elevated in all subjects. The hypercoagulable state as consequence of the combined deficiencies of coagulation inhibitors could contribute to the stroke-like phenomena in CDGS type I.

A prospective registry of European haemophilia B patients receiving nonacog alfa, recombinant human factor IX, for usual use

Nonacog alfa, a recombinant factor IX (FIX) used for the treatment of haemophilia B, was approved in Europe in 1998. In accordance with European Medicines Agency requirements, a registry study was conducted from 2002 to 2009. A reformulated iso-osmotic version was approved for European use in 2007. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of nonacog alfa in a usual care setting, and provide clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data support. This open-label, non-interventional, prospective observational cohort study (registry) comprised 52 sites in nine European countries. Patients with haemophilia B receiving nonacog alfa in either formulation for prevention or treatment were followed on a usual care schedule. A total of 218 patients were enrolled, of whom 66 (30.3%) were <18 years of age. Haemophilia severity was evenly distributed, with baseline FIX activity of <1%, 1-5% and >5% in 33.3%, 36.6% and 30.1% of patients, respectively. One hundred thirty-eight patients received the original formulation alone; 80 switched to or received only the new formulation. There was a low incidence of events of special interest (ESIs), with less-than-expected therapeutic effect in five patients (2.2%), inhibitor development in two (0.9%), thrombosis in one (0.5%) and allergic events in eight (3.7%). These accounted for the majority of the 15 serious AEs reported in six patients. Six patients discontinued because of AEs, primarily related to hypersensitivity. Nonacog alfa was shown to be safe for the treatment of haemophilia B, with a low incidence of serious AEs and ESIs.

Immune tolerance induction with a high purity von Willebrand factor/VIII complex concentrate in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors at high risk of a poor response

Immune tolerance induction (ITI) is effective in approximately 70% of haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Poor prognostic factors are age >6 years, ITI started >1 year from inhibitor development, inhibitor peaks >200 BU, inhibitor titre >10 BU when ITI is started and previously failed ITI. The objective of this study was to identify the effectiveness in ITI of a high purity von Willebrand factor/factor VIII (VWF/FVIII) complex concentrate in inhibitor patients at high risk of failure. Patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A and high responding inhibitors who had at least one poor prognostic factor for ITI failure were prospectively followed-up. Success was defined by undetectable inhibitor, recovery and half life >66% of expected values. ITI dose regimens were chosen by each haemophilia centre. Seventeen haemophiliacs (16 severe, one moderate), aged 4-54 years (median 23) were followed-up for 6-71 months. Poor prognostic factors were delayed-onset ITI (n = 16), age >6 years (n = 16), previously failed ITI (n = 4), inhibitor peak >200 BU (n = 2) and inhibitor >10 BU when ITI was started (n = 4). Complete success was obtained in nine patients (53%) after 4-30 months of treatment (median 24), including two of four patients who had previously failed ITI. Seven patients achieved a partial success, with sustained low inhibitor titres (median 1.5 BU, range 1.1-2.8) but abnormal recovery and/or half-life, while the remaining patient withdrew ITI after 12 months when the inhibitor titer was still 70 BU. These findings suggest that high purity VWF/FVIII complex concentrates are effective in ITI, even in patients at high risk of failure.

The role of leptin in the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa and bulimia

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived signal factor (167 amino acid protein) encoded by the ob gene in chromosome 7q31 that regulates eating behaviour via central neuroendocrine mechanisms. It has been shown that serum leptin levels correlate with weight and percentage body fat in normal and obese individuals, but the exact correlation between leptin and body weight in anorexic and bulimic patients has not yet been clarified. We investigated leptin levels in the serum of 58 female subjects aged 15-36 years: 10 with bulimia nervosa (BN); 12 with anorexia nervosa (AN); 12 overweight controls (not BN); 12 weight-reduced controls (not AN); and 12 normal weight controls. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible correlations between leptin levels and the body mass index (BMI) in all five groups. Our results showed that the serum leptin levels of the bulimic patients were similar to those of the healthy controls, with a positive correlation between leptin and BMI. Although bulimic patients have very bad nutritional behaviour, their leptin levels do not appear altered. Serum leptin was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in the anorexic patients because of the dramatic decrease in adipose mass caused by the nutritional defect, as: is further supported by the significantly (p<0.001) low level of transferrinemia. Our data suggest that, although significantly reduced, serum leptin levels in fasting anorexic patients are non-linearly related to body weight (BMI).

Clinical efficacy of highly purified, doubly virus-inactivated factor VIII/von Willebrand factor concentrate (Fanhdi) in the treatment of von Willebrand disease: a retrospective clinical study

The goal of therapy in patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD) is to correct the dual defect of primary haemostasis and intrinsic coagulation reflected by low levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C). Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (FVIII/vWF) concentrates are currently the treatment of choice in vWD patients unresponsive to desmopressin (DDAVP). However, only few studies on their clinical use are available so far. The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of a highly purified, doubly virus-inactivated FVIII/vWF concentrate with a high content of FVIII/vWF (Fanhdi). Twenty-two patients with congenital vWD have been treated from 1999 to 2001 at eight specialized centres belonging to the Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers (AICE). Ten males and 12 females, median age 28.5 years, range 5-70 years) had type 3 vWD (six cases), DDAVP-unresponsive type 1 (nine cases) and type 2B (seven cases). The study drug was given to stop or prevent 12 bleeding episodes or to prevent excessive bleeding during 14 surgical or invasive procedures. Overall, replacement therapy with the concentrate showed an excellent to good clinical efficacy in 92% of bleeding episodes and in 93% of surgical procedures. No adverse events occurred during 1,601 infusions, accounting for a total of 304,500 IU of FVIII:C administered. These results confirm the efficacy and safety of this concentrate in the management of bleeding episodes and in the prevention of excessive bleeding during major and minor surgery.

TT virus contaminates first-generation recombinant factor VIII concentrates

Recombinant factor VIII and factor IX concentrates, human-plasma-derived albumin, and samples from previously untreated patients with hemophilia were examined for the presence of TT virus (TTV) by using polymerase chain reaction testing. Blood samples from the patients were obtained prospectively before and every 3 to 6 months after therapy was begun. TTV was detected in 23.5% of the recombinant-product lots and 55.5% of the albumin lots tested. Only first-generation factor VIII recombinant concentrates stabilized with human albumin were positive for TTV, whereas all second-generation (human protein-free) concentrates were negative for the virus. In 59% of patients treated with either first- or second-generation recombinant factor concentrates, TTV infection developed at some point after the initial infusion. Infection with TTV in these patients before and after treatment did not appear to be clinically important. Thus, first-generation recombinant factor VIII concentrates may contain TTV and the source of the viral contamination may be human albumin.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven) in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) appears effective and relatively safe for the treatment of bleeding and for surgical prophylaxis in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia as reported to the International Registry on rFVIIa and Congenital Platelet Disorders. One of the shortcomings of the Registry data is the heterogeneity of treatment protocol, including dosage, number of doses used, duration of treatment before declaration of failure, and mode of rFVIIa administration (bolus v continuous infusion). The data are not yet sufficient to define optimal regimens for various indications such as the type of bleeding or the type of procedures. The place of this drug compared to platelet transfusion in the overall management of patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia will need to be determined in relationship to a number of challenges and unresolved issues in the clinical care of these patients. These issues include: how to improve local measures for patients with mucosal bleeds, optimal management of young women during menarche, optimal platelet transfusion regimens for various indications, the relationship between antiplatelet antibodies detected by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) and effectiveness of platelet transfusion, whether there are other biological tests that may correlate with effectiveness of platelet transfusion, and management of pregnancy and delivery regarding antiplatelet immunization.

17 beta-estradiol stimulates mouse neuropeptide Y-Y(1) receptor gene transcription by binding to estrogen receptor alpha in neuroblastoma cells

Several studies have shown that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in the stimulation of gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and that these effects are modulated by gonadal steroid feedback. The NPY regulation of GnRH release is probably mediated by the activation of the Y(1) receptor subtype. In this study we examined the regulation of the Y(1) receptor gene transcription by estrogens in transiently transfected NG108-15 neuroblastoma glioma cells. A chimeric plasmid containing the murine Y(1) receptor promoter fused to the firefly luciferase reporter gene was induced by approximately 2-fold in response to 17 beta-estradiol treatment. The estrogen-mediated enhancement of luciferase activity was dose-dependent, blocked by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780, and was strictly dependent on the presence of ER alpha, since it occurred only in NG108-15 cells cotransfected with an expression vector for the human ER. Mutational analysis was performed to investigate whether the hemipalindromic estrogen-responsive elements (EREs) flanking the Y(1) receptor gene are responsible for conferring estradiol inducibility to the Y(1) receptor gene promoter. Mutation of the ERE1 half site at position -932, or mutation of the ERE2 half site at position -809, relative to the ATG, failed to affect the 17 beta-estradiol-mediated enhancement of luciferase activity. Conversely, mutation of both ERE1 and ERE2 half sites completely abolished activation of luciferase activity induced by estrogen. We also examined whether 17 beta-estradiol stimulates the transcriptional activity of the Y(1) receptor gene by binding to ER beta. Results demonstrated that luciferase activity was not modulated by estrogens when cells were transfected with the expression plasmid bearing the human ER beta. Moreover coexpression of both ER alpha and ER beta completely abolished the estrogen-induced activation of luciferase activity observed in the presence of ER alpha. Our data suggest that estrogens activate Y(1) receptor gene transcription possibly via a direct interaction of ER alpha with the hemipalindromic EREs flanking the Y(1) receptor gene.

Transmission of parvovirus B19 by coagulation factor concentrates exposed to 100 degrees C heat after lyophilization

BACKGROUND

Double inactivation by solvent/detergent treatment plus heating at 100 degrees C for 30 minutes after lyophilization has been adopted to improve viral safety of factor VIII and factor IX concentrates, particularly with respect to non-lipid-enveloped viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of concentrates exposed to these virucidal methods.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-six previously untreated hemophiliacs, 19 with factor VIII deficiency and 7 with factor IX deficiency, were investigated in a prospective multicenter study over a 12-month follow-up period by the use of serologic and virologic markers for lipid- and non-lipid-enveloped viruses (human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2; hepatitis A, B, and C viruses; B19 parvovirus antibodies; and B19 DNA). Overall, 270,000 U of factor VIII and 102,000 U of factor IX concentrate were administered during the study period.

RESULTS

None of the 26 patients seroconverted for human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis B virus markers remained negative in the 10 unvaccinated hemophiliacs. No hepatitis A virus seroconversion occurred among 17 susceptible patients. B19 seroconversion (IgM) and B19 viremia were observed within 2 weeks of the first concentrate infusion in 8 of 15 susceptible patients, 5 of 11 treated with factor VIII and 3 of 4 with factor IX concentrate.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study indicates that very high temperatures applied to lyophilized concentrates appear to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A virus to hemophiliacs. However, B19 parvovirus still contaminates concentrates despite the use of this robust virucidal method.

Regulation of mouse neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor gene transcription: a potential role for nuclear factor-kappa B/Rel proteins

We previously isolated a 1.3-kb genomic fragment in the 5'-flanking region of the murine neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor gene, which is able to drive the expression of LacZ reporter gene in neuronal cells. We determined the ability of deletion mutants of this region to modulate transcription of the heterologous luciferase gene in the Y1 receptor-expressing neuroblastoma/ glioma NG108-15 cells and the Y1 receptor-deficient 293 cells. Results suggest the presence of a cell type-specific core promoter (-399 to -218 from the initiator ATG) and, upstream, of two positive and two negative regulatory elements. Sequence analysis of the Y1 receptor promoter identified two decameric sequences corresponding to consensus binding sites for nuclear factor-kappa B/Rel proteins. Gel shift analysis indicated that a 29-bp oligonucleotide comprising the two putative kappa B sites, which we refer to as Y1-kappa B sequence, specifically binds kappa B-related complexes in nuclear extracts from rat brain areas, NG108-15 cells, and the murine T cell clone A.E7. In nuclear extracts from A.E7 and NG108-15 cells, the Y1-kappa B sequence specifically binds an additional complex whose molecular nature remains to be elucidated. Through transient transfection studies, we also demonstrated that the Y1-kappa B sequence acts as an enhancer element, inferring its potential role in regulation of the Y1 receptor gene expression.

Haemostatic studies in carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type I

CDG syndrome (CDGS) type I is the most frequent form of a group of metabolic disorders characterised by a defect of the carbohydrate moiety of glycoproteins. A large number of plasma glycoproteins, including clotting factors and inhibitors, are decreased and stroke-like episodes have been described in about half of the reported patients. We studied blood coagulation factors, inhibitors and D-dimer plasma levels in four subjects, aged 12-23 years, with CDGS type I. Factors VIII, XI, antithrombin III activity, antigen plasma levels of antithrombin III, free protein S and protein C were decreased whereas protein C as activity was normal. In addition two patients had reduction of factors II, V, VII, IX, X reflecting the phenotypic heterogeneity associated with CDGS type I. D-dimer plasma concentrations were elevated in all subjects. The hypercoagulable state as consequence of the combined deficiencies of coagulation inhibitors could contribute to the stroke-like phenomena in CDGS type I.

Antibody to hepatitis C virus after a vapour-heated factor VIII concentrate. The Study Group of the Fondazione dell'Emofilia

To evaluate whether or not clotting factor concentrates exposed to virucidal procedures transmitted hepatitis C, sera obtained in 1984-1986 from 27 previously untreated hemophiliacs infused with a vapour-heated factor VIII concentrate were tested retrospectively for the antibody to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). A 2-year-old hemophiliac, negative for anti-HCV before administration of concentrate, seroconverted at week 12 and remained anti-HCV positive thereafter. Both his parents were anti-HCV negative and he had no other household contact. The patient had also become HBsAg positive at week 8 and had at the same time a marked elevation of alanine aminotransferase. His double infection with the hepatitis B and C viruses indicates that hot vapour was not completely effective in inactivating these viruses.

Cyclic-AMP-dependent switch in initiation of transcription from the two promoters of the Escherichia coli gal operon: identification and assay of 5'-triphosphate ends of mRNA by GTP:RNA guanyltransferase

We have studied the initiation of transcription of the gal operon in Escherichia coli (i) by analyzing the 5'-triphosphate ends and (ii) by measuring the level of promoter-proximal gal mRNA made in vivo. The 5' termini were identified and quantified by capping with GTP:mRNA guanyltransferase, and the mRNA levels were determined by hybridization of pulse-labeled [32P]RNA with a specific DNA probe. Our results conclusively demonstrate the in vivo activities of two promoters, P1 and P2, with separate initiation sites (S1 and S2) as suggested before from in vitro and in vivo experiments (S. Adhya and W. Miller, Nature [London] 279:492-494, 1979; R. E. Musso, R. DiLauro, S. Adhya, and B. de Crombrugghe, Cell 12:847-854, 1977). We have also studied the effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on in vivo gal transcription and found that whereas total gal transcription remains largely unchanged, the relative proportions of the S1 and S2 mRNAs are influenced by the level of cAMP in the cell. In strains devoid of cAMP (cya), transcription initiates equally at S1 and S2; in cAMP-proficient cells (cya+), the S1 initiation increases twofold with a concomitant decrease in S2 initiation. Addition of a saturating amount of exogenous cAMP to cya mutant cells results in a relatively larger switch from S2 to S1. Our results clearly show that while cAMP is an inhibitor of S2, it is not an absolute requirement for transcription initiation at S1, but only acts to increase low-level transcription from the P1 promoter. Using these approaches, we have also studied gal promoter mutants (P211, P18, and P35) which show altered behavior in transcription initiations and in response to cAMP. On the basis of these results, we have discussed models by which transcription initiates at the two overlapping gal promoters (P1 and P2) and discussed how cAMP level modulates the switch between them.

[Action of free fatty acids on platelet aggregation induced with thrombin]

The sinergic effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by Free Fatty Acids (FFA) was studied "in vitro". Our results showed that "sub-critical" concentrations of long carbon chains of saturated and unsaturated FFA potentiated the platelet aggregation induced by "critical" concentration of thrombin. However, we suggest that: a) exogenous long carbon chains of FFA could enhance the platelet membrane lipids and increase the ciclic Endoperoxides, Prostaglandins and Thromboxan A2 synthesis; b) exogenous long carbon chains of FFA could induce the platelets more "sensitive" to aggregating effect of "critical" concentrations of thrombin.

[Potentiating effect of some fatty acids on platelet aggregation induced with ADP, collagen and 1-epinephrine]

Since there is evidence of the correlation between the platelet membrane phospholipids and the aggregating properties of several agents, we studied in vitro the effect of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) on ADP, collagen and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Our results showed that "sub-critical" concentrations of long carbon chains of saturated and unsaturated FFA potentiated the platelet aggregation induced by "critical" concentrations of ADP, collagen and epinephrine. However, we suggest that exogenous long carbon chains of FFA could enhance the platelet membrane lipids and could make the platelets more "responsive" or "sensitive" to lowest aggregating stimuli.

Evidence of Abnormal Factor VIII Related Protein in Diabetes Mellitus

Biochemical and functional properties of Factor VIII related protein (VIII:RP) have been studied in the plasma from two groups of diabetic patients with or without vascular complications compared to normal subjects.

The Factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:AG) was performed by Laurell’s electroimmunoassay (LA) and electrophoretic mobility (EM) by two dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis (2 DCIE). Biophysical properties were evaluated by cryoprecipitation and concanavalin A (Con A) treatment at different concentrations. Biological functions were determined using the ristocetin cofactor (RiCoF) assay on fixed-washed platelets and procoagulant activity (FVIII : C).

In diabetic patients, particularly in the ones at higher thrombogenic risk, the evaluation of VI I I :C/VIII R:AG and VIIl:vWF/VI I I R:AG ratios showed a significant(P<0.00Decreased VIII R:AG with a higher co-ristocetin activity than the procoagulant one. Furthermore, biophysical and bio chemical modifications of diabetic Factor VII IR:AG, mainly a lower EM on 2 DC I E, were found. These results suggest that the Factor VI I IR:AG abnormality, detectable in diabetic plasma, can be related with an abnormal glycoprotein biosynthesis.

Unusual location and function of the operator in the Escherichia coli galactose operon

The operator of the gal operon is located about 60 base pairs preceding the startpoints of the transcription of the two gal promoters. This location contrasts with the location of the operator in other phage or bacterial operons where the repressor binds more closely to the respective transcription initiation sites. Models explaining how the repressor-operator interactions may control the two gal promoters are presented.

Evidence of Abnormal Factor: VIII Related Protein in Diabetes Mellitus

Biochemical and functional properties of Factor VIII related protein (VIII:RP) have been studied in the plasma from two groups of diabetic patients with or without vascular complications compared to normal subjects.

The Factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:AG) was performed by Laurell’s electroimmunoassay (LA) and electrophoretic mobility (EM) by two dimensional crossed Immunoelectrophoresis (2 DC IE). Biophysical properties were evaluated by cryoprecipitation and concanavalin A (Con A) treatment at different concentrations. Biological functions were determined using the ristocetin cofactor (RiCoF ) assay on fixed-washed platelets and procongulant activity (F VIII:C).

In diabetic patients, particularly in the ones at higher thrombogenic risk, the evaluation of VIII:C/VIIIR; AG and VIII:vWF/VIIIR;AG ratios showed a significant (P<0.001) increased VIIIR:AG with a higher co-ristocelin activity than the procoagulant one. Furthermore, biophysical and bio chemical modifications of diabetic Factor VIIIR;AG, mainly a lower EM on 2 DCIE, were found. These results suggest that the Factor VIIIR:AG abnormality, detectable in diabetic plasma, can be related with an abnormal glycoprotein biosynthesis.

Presence of protein A24 in rat liver nucleosomes

Two-dimensional gel profiles of the 0.2 M H2SO4-soluble proteins of monomer nucleosomal fractions were found to contain protein A24. Protein A24 is of interest because it is composed of histone 2A and "ubiquitin", apparently joined by an isopeptide linkage [Goldknopf, I.L. & Busch, H. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74, 864-868; Hunt, L.T. & Dayhoff, M.O. (1977) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 74, 650-655]. Monomer nucleosomal fractions were obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of micrococcal nuclease digests of rat liver nuclei. As shown by their DNA size, the monomer fractions were highly purified. Proteins A24 and Bu, another protein of unknown characteristics, were found along with histones 1, 2A, 2B, 3, and 4 in the monomer fractions in relative amounts similar to those found in extracts from whole nuclei and chromatin. Other acid-soluble proteins found in the nuclear and chromatin extracts were essentially absent from the monomer fraction. Inasmuch as protein A24 and Bu were found in lesser amounts than the histones, it is suggested that they are associated with specialized subsets of nucleosomes.

Nucleotide sequence of the operator-promoter region of the galactose operon of Escherichia coli

We have derived the nucleotide sequence of a segment of the operator-promoter region of the galactose operon of E. coli, by using a variety of DNA sequencing analyses. We have previously reported the sequence of the 5' terminal portion of gal mRNA [Musso, R. E., de Crombrugghe, B., Pastan, I., Sklar, J., Yot, P. & Weissman, S. (1974) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 71, 4940-4944] and of the 59 base pairs preceding the startpoint of gal transcription (J. Sklar, S. Weissman, R. Musso, R. Di Lauro, & B. de Crombrugghe, submitted). In conjunction with those results, the present data provide the sequence of the gal operator-promoter region. This sequence is compared with similar sequences in other promoters and operators. Tentative mechanisms for the regulation of the galactose operon are discussed.

Determination of nucleotide sequences beyond the sites of transcriptional termination

A procedure is described by which a discrete high-molecular-weight RNA transcription product can be used as a primer by DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyltransferase; EC 2.7.7.7; deoxynucleoside triphosphate: DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase) for determining nucleic acid sequence in the template DNA beyond the 3'-terminus of the transcript. This procedure is applied to two lambda phage transcripts, the 4S "oop" RNA [Short l-strand RNA transcript from the region of origin of replication (ori) and the 6S RNA. Sequences of 35 and 19 nucleotides, respectively, following the sites at which these two transcripts terminate, are determined. Little structural homology is apparent in the template DNA beyond the 3'-ends of these two transcripts. The lack of homology suggests that this region might not be important to the termination process.