Characterization of the major mRNAs transcribed from the genes for glycoprotein B and DNA-binding protein ICP8 of herpes simplex virus type 1.

The structural genes encoding the herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B and the major DNA-binding protein ICP8 have been mapped previously within the EcoRI-F restriction fragment (map coordinates 0.314 to 0.420) of the viral genome. In this study the mRNAs transcribed from these DNA sequences were identified by hybridization selection of 32P-labeled RNA and by Northern blot analysis of polyadenylated cytoplasmic RNA. A 3.4-kilobase RNA was the major mRNA homologous to the DNA sequences between coordinates 0.343 and 0.386 in which mutations in the glycoprotein B gene have been mapped. A 4.5-kilobase RNA was the major mRNA homologous to the viral DNA sequences between coordinates 0.361 and 0.417 in which mutations in the ICP8 gene have been mapped. Hybridization-selected mRNAs were translated in vitro to determine the primary translation products encoded in each region. The glycoprotein B- and ICP8-specific polypeptides were identified by immunoprecipitation with specific antisera. The translation products encoded by the glycoprotein B gene were 103,000 and 99,000 in molecular weight. The translation products encoded by the ICP8 gene were 125,000 and 122,000 in molecular weight.