Mechanism of Carcinogenesis by RNA Tumor Viruses, III Formation of RNA·DNA Complex and Duplex DNA Molecules by the DNA Polymerase(s) of Avian Myeloblastosis Virus

DNA polymerase activity can be unmasked in avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) by treatment with the nonionic detergent Nonidet P-40. Two products are formed: (1) RNA.DNA hybrid molecules and (2) duplex DNA molecules. The kinetics of dTTP incorporation into DNA are biphasic: an initial rapid reaction for 4 min at 37 degrees C with a minimal polymerization rate of 10-20 nucleotides per see, and a second reaction at about half the initial rate. Viral RNA.DNA complexes are detected as early as 30 sec after the initiation of DNA synthesis; DNA free of template is formed subsequently. Most of the free AMV DNA forms an RNA.DNA hybrid when annealed with viral RNA. Over half of the free AMV DNA product is inferred to be double-stranded, since it is retained on hydroxyapatite columns after elution with 0.12 M phosphate buffer, and is resistant to Escherichia coli exonuclease I. Adenovirus or calfthymus DNA added to unmasked AMV stimulates DNA synthesis 4-16 times if there is no treatment with RNase, and 40-130 fold if RNase treatment precedes the enzyme assay. It is possible that two polymerases are present, or that a single enzyme forms both the RNA.DNA hybrid and the double-stranded product.