Sequence of 129 nucleotides at the 3'-terminus of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA.

The sequence of 129 nucleotides next to the poly(A) tail of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA has been determined by rapid gel sequencing of cDNA synthesized with DNA polymerase I or reverse transcriptase and a phasing primer, [5'-32P]p(dT)8dC. The sequence is in accord with (a) the pyrimidine tracts which were mapped in blocks along the cDNA, (B) the sequences of seven characteristic T1 RNase oligonucleotides in the RNA transcribed from the cDNA with RNA polymerase, and (c) a limited amount of sequence deduced by partial spleen phosphodiesterase digestion and depurination of endonuclease IV oligonucleotides. The 3' end shows little secondary structure on its own. Ten nonsense codons block all three reading frames such that at least 26 nucleotides do not code for protein. The possible function of a homology A-A-U-A-A-A with other polyadenylated RNAs is discussed.