Characterization of the DNA of the hamster papovavirus. III. Mapping of inverted repeated DNA sequences within the viral genome.

Sequences with 2-fold axis of symmetry (inverted repeated sequences) have been detected and mapped on the hamster papovavirus (HaPV) genome by their ability to form secondary structures like hairpins or stem-loops on single-stranded HaPV DNA. DNA regions with secondary structure were visualized by electron microscopy and mapped according to the physical map of HaPV. Eleven positions containing inverted repeats could be determined. The nucleotide sequence within all of these inverted repeats may be related since these regions can crosshybridize with each other. The possible functions of these sequences within the HaPV genome are discussed with respect to conditions found for genomes like those from SV40 and polyoma virus to get first indications for the localization of DNA regions representing the origin and termination of replication of HaPV DNA.