Herpesvirus DNA Recent studies on the organization of viral genomes, mRNA transcription, DNA replication, defective DNA, and viral DNA sequences in transformed cells and bacterial plasmids

Herpesviruses, classified in the family Herpesviridae, are important human and animal pathogens that can cause primary, latent or recurrent infections and even cancer. The major interest in research on herpesviruses today focuses on understanding the organization of the DNA genome, as well as on characterizing the viral genes in regard to their control and function. Modern techniques have allowed the viral DNA to become a molecular tool in the study of gene function, since it is now possible to implant the DNA into eukaryotic cells. This book contains original studies on the structure and organization of the DNA of human and animal herpes­ viruses. The various chapters acquaint the reader with the organization of the viral DNA, the mRNA transcripts, the replicative intermediates of the viral DNA, defective DNA genomes and their mode of synthesis, analyses of the viral DNA sequences in transformed cells, and the relationship between the presence of viral DNA fragments in the cancer cells and the transformed state of the cells.

1. Introduction: Current trends in herpesvirus DNA research (a review).- 2. Structure of HSV-1 DNA at the joint regions.- 3. Immediate-early transcription of HSV-1 and HS.- 4. Isolation and characterization of HSV-1 mRNA.- 5. Properties of the replicating HSV DNA.- 6. Electron microscopy of branched HSV DNA molecules: Possible recombination intermediates.- 7. Replication of HSV-1 DNA: Isolation of a subnuclear DNA synthesizing fraction.- 8. Tandem repeat defective DNA from the L segment of the HSV genome.- 9. Structure and physical mapping of different classes of defective HSV-1 ANG DNA.- 10. Structure and expression of Class I and II defective interfering HSV genomes.- 11. Biosynthesis of defective HSV DNA.- 12. Mapping of the HSV sequences in transformed cells.- 13. Transfection with HSV DNA fragments and DNA from HSV transformed cells.- 14. Viral genes in HSV transformed cells as detected genetically.- 15. Identification, cloning and sequencing of the HSV thymidine kinas genes.- 16. Assignment of Epstein-Barr virus-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) gene to chromosome 14 in human lympnoblastoid cells.- 17. Organization of the human cytomegalovirus genome.- 18. DNA of Tupaia herpesviruses.- 19. Organization and replication of pseudorabies virus DNA.- 20. Equine herpesviruses: Biochemical studies on genomic structure, DI particles, oncogenic transformation and persistent infection.- 21. Organization of integrated herpesvirus DNA sequences in equine herpesvirus type 1 transformed and tumor cell lines.- 22. Organization and expression of the DNA of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) and of herpesvirus of turkeys.