Components of adenovirus-simian virus 40 hybrid viruses

The DNA and protein components of the adenovirus 7-simian virus (SV)40 hybrid virus "E46(+)" have been investigated. The Ad.7-SV40 hybrid DNA genome could be distinguished from nonhybrid Ad. 7 genome on the basis of its molecular weight in an alkaline sucrose gradient. The hybrid genome could also be separated from nonhybrid adenovirus 2 DNA when purified transcapsidant adenovirus 2(+t7) (Ad.7-SV40 DNA within an Ad.2 capsid) was studied. The presence and amount of SV40 DNA in the hybrid virus genome was determined by DNA-RNA hybridization. The results presented suggest: (i) that about 10% of the particles in the E46(+) preparations contained SV40 DNA covalently linked to adenovirus DNA; (ii) that the hybrid virus genome has a molecular weight 10-12% lower than that of nonhybrid virus, consistent with a deletion of adenovirus DNA; and (iii) that the hybrid virus contained only 40-50% of a total SV40 genome. The protein components of the Ad.7-SV40 hybrid virus were examined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. No significant quantitative or qualitative differences between the proteins of hybrid and nonhybrid adenovirus were demonstrated.