Biological and Molecular Studies of a Low Oncogenic Mutant of Human Adenovirus Type 12

Abstract

<p>Physical and biological properties of a low oncogenic mutant (cyt mutant) of highly oncogenic human adenovirus type 12 were studied. The highly oncogenic parental strain contains much higher proportion of functionally defective particles than the cyt mutant. The role of defective virions was discussed in relation to oncogenicity of the viruses. Correlation of defectivity and viral DNA structure, as studied by electron microscopy, was made. Some defective virions have a specific deletion in their DNA. Also molecular mechanism for the reduction of virus yield by the cyt mutant was examined and it was found that the viral DNA synthesis was a limiting factor.</p>