Provirus from a component of Rauscher leukaemia virus (RLV) has been cloned. The provirus (the size of 5000 b. p.) contains two LTR sequences and shares expressed sequence homology with Mo-MuLV. Restriction analysis and determination of the LTR nucleotide sequence and of the site from 3'-end of proviral genome have shown the cloned provirus to be the SFEV component of RLV. LTR from this cloned provirus contains all sites necessary for transcription: CAAT and TATA sequences, "cap" site and polyadenylation signal. The LTR of the cloned provirus from SFEV component of RLV has been shown to function as a promoter in E. coli cells.
