Nucleotide sequence analysis of a region of adenovirus 5 DNA encoding a hitherto unidentified gene.

The nucleotide sequence of a region located on the adenovirus type 5 genome between coordinates 59.9 and 62.5 has been determined. This region comprises the 3'-termini of mRNAs coding for the hexon and the DNA binding protein. The sequence reveals the presence of an open reading frame in r-strand transcripts downstream from the hexon termination codon. The protein predicted from this region has a MW of 23,068 daltons. Based on the characteristics of the mutant Ad2ts1, which maps between coordinates 59.9 and 69.9, it is probable that the predicted protein is involved in processing of late proteins.