RENATURATION OF COMPLEMENTARY-DNA STRANDS BY HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-1 ICP8

ICP8, the major single-stranded DNA-binding protein of herpes simplex virus type 1, promotes renaturation of complementary single strands of DNA. This reaction is ATP independent but requires Mg2+. The activity is maximal at pH 7.6 and 80 mM NaCl. The major product of the reactio n is double-stranded DNA, and no evidence of large DNA networks is see n. The reaction occurs at subsaturating concentrations of ICP8 but rea ches maximal levels with saturating concentrations of ICP8. Finally, t he renaturation reaction is second order with respect to DNA concentra tion. The ability of ICP8 to promote the renaturation of complementary single strands suggests a role for ICP8 in the high level of recombin ation seen in cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1.