Sequence and transcriptional analysis of an orf virus gene encoding ankyrin-like repeat sequences

A 1608 bp region located approximately 5.0 kb from the left end of the orf virus (OV) genome (strain NZ2) was sequenced. The sequence revealed a single open reading frame designated G1L. The predicted amino acid sequence of G1L contained eight ankyrinlike repeat sequences. Transcriptional analysis of G1L showed it was transcribed towards the genome terminus during the early phase of infection. S1 nuclease and primer extension analyses showed that the transcriptional start site of the gene was located a short distance downstream from an A + T-rich sequence similar to a vaccinia virus early promoter.