The gene for the adenovirus 2 hexon polypeptide

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Virology
• Genomics

Background:

• The hexon protein is a major structural component of adenovirus.
• Understanding the hexon gene sequence is crucial for viral structure and function studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the adenovirus type 2 hexon gene.
• To resolve ambiguities in the previously reported hexon amino acid sequence.

Main Methods:

• DNA sequencing of the adenovirus type 2 hexon gene.
• Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence.

Main Results:

• The hexon polypeptide comprises 967 amino acids with a molecular weight of 109,058 Da.
• Confirmed unusual protein features, including a 16-residue acidic region in the N-terminus.
• Provided sequence data that, with related studies, allows reconstruction of the complete adenovirus type 2 genome.

Conclusions:

• The determined hexon gene sequence provides a definitive amino acid sequence.
• This data contributes to the complete genomic sequence of adenovirus type 2.
• Facilitates further research into adenovirus structure, assembly, and function.