Promoter occlusion prevents transcription of adenovirus polypeptide IX mRNA until after DNA replication

The left end of the adenovirus genome is arranged such that the polypeptide IX gene is 'buried' (entirely contained) within the E1B transcription unit. The E1B gene is transcribed actively early in infection while, in contrast, IX gene transcription only occurs after DNA replication. Using recombinant plasmid constructs and recombinant viruses, we have found that the nested arrangement of the IX gene prevents its transcription. The experiments show that E1B transcription across the IX promoter inhibits IX gene expression early in infection, and yet, the 21-kD E1B protein activates the IX gene. IX mRNA synthesis occurs in the absence of DNA replication when the E1A gene and E1B promoter are absent, but only when the 21-kD E1B protein is present in trans. Our results indicate that during the adenovirus infectious cycle, the only templates on which IX transcription can be activated are newly replicated templates not committed to E1B transcription. This situation may be a model for genes that are activated specifically at the time of replication.