DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in African swine fever virus

Abstract African swine fever (ASF) virus has a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity which does not require the addition of exogenous DNA. The polymerase activity copurifies with ASF virus and reaches a maximum specific activity value of 5–15 pmol UMP/μg of virus protein, when the virus particles are pretreated with NP-40. In vitro RNA synthesis by ASF virus requires higher concentrations of ATP than of GTP or CTP. The RNA product has a sedimentation rate of 6–14 S and anneals specifically with virus DNA.