Organization and expression of the E4 region of adenovirus 2

The E4 region of Adenovirus 2 is a leftward transcribed part of the viral genome. Its nucleotide sequence has already been analysed. From this sequence several open reading frames were defined, which could be used in the coding of the E4 proteins. Using S1 digestion of mRNA-DNA hybrids a precise mapping of donor and acceptor sites was done. Their use in various combinations allows the synthesis of mRNAs, able to direct the synthesis of at least 7 polypeptides, ranging in size from 9K to 34K. Comparison of the sequences of the different acceptor sites indicates that they all conform to the consensus sequence. Analysis of the ATG surrounding sequence shows that initiator ATG may be positively selected according to Kozak's rule.