Analysis of the DNA-terminal protein from different serotypes of human adenovirus.

The DNA-terminal proteins from adenovirus type 12, type 3, and type 5 were analyzed after labeling in vitro with 125I by the chloramine T method, and were shown to be serotype specific. We also studied the kinetics of cleavage by alkali of the terminal protein-DNA linkage and showed that the half-time of cleavage with either 0.1 M NaOH or 0.5 M piperidine at 37 degree C is about 15 to 30 min. The substitution of the volatile base piperidine for NaOH in this procedure provided a useful tool for rapid analysis of the labeled protein.