Transcription of the rod-shaped viruses SIRV1 and SIRV2 of the hyperthermophilic archaeon sulfolobus.

ABSTRACT: The double-stranded DNA genomes of the crenarchaeal rudiviruses SIRV1 (32 kb) and SIRV2 (35 kb) were previously sequenced. Here we present results of the analysis of gene expression of these viruses at different time points after infection of the host cell, Sulfolobus islandicus, and of the mapping of transcriptional start sites. Transcription of both genomes starts simultaneously at multiple sites spread over the total length of the genome and from both strands. The earliest time point when viral transcripts could be detected in cells was 30 min after infection. At this time point all the viral genes, except one, were transcribed. Many genes were clustered and appeared to be transcribed as polycistronic messengers. Although the coat protein-encoding gene was initially also transcribed as

SUBMITTER: Kessler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC524901 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature