Characterization of the genome of the murine papovavirus K.

The DNA genome of the murine papovavirus K virus (KV) was characterized and compared with the genome of polyoma virus. A physical map of the KV genome was constructed by analysis of the size of DNA fragments generated by sequential cleavage with combinations of restriction endonucleases. By using one of the three EcoRI sites in the KV genome as the 0 map position, the KV physical map was then oriented to the polyoma virus genome. Of 42 restriction sites mapped within the KV genome, 7 were localized within 0.01 map unit of their respective sites in the polyoma virus genome; an eighth site mapped within 0.02 map unit. KV replication was examined and found to be bidirectional, initiating at approximately 0.70 map unit. This corresponds well to the origin of replication within the polyoma virus genome and further supports the orientation of the KV physical map.