Single-stranded oligonucleotides from reovirus type III

Abstract

Low molecular weight single-stranded RNA present in reovirus particles has been separated from the viral double-stranded RNA by zone sedimentation on SDS-sucrose gradients followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose-urea columns at pH 5.4. Oligonucleotides analyzed in this manner are heterogeneous in chain length and base composition and comprise one third of the amount of RNA present as double-stranded molecules, or 5 × 10 6 daltons. There are approximately 2000 lengths of oligonucleotide per virion. All are completely degradable by venom phosphodiesterase, indicating that they bear a terminal 3′OH. About 60% of the low molecular weight material consists of molecules rich in adenylate having chain lengths between 6 and 12 nucleotides. Oligonucleotides of chain lengths 3–6 are relatively richer in pyrimidines, principally U, and comprise 20% of the total material. Three other minor low molecular weight components chromatograph in positions indicating chain lengths of less than two nucleotides. A study of the charge properties and alkaline hydrolysis products of these molecules suggests that they bear an unusual positively charged group at the 5′ terminus.