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Snow Mountain virus genome sequence and virus-like particle assembly
Vance P Lochridge1, Michele E Hardy
1Veterinary Molecular Biology Laboratory, PO Box 173610, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3610, USA.
Virus Genes
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Snow Mountain virus (SMV), a genogroup II norovirus, was sequenced, revealing its genome structure and potential recombinant nature. Key findings identified a specific histidine residue essential for virus-like particle assembly.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Snow Mountain virus (SMV) is a genogroup II (GII) norovirus within the Caliciviridae family.
- Noroviruses are significant causes of epidemic gastroenteritis in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete genome sequence of Snow Mountain virus.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness and potential recombinant nature of SMV.
- To investigate the molecular basis of virus-like particle (VLP) assembly.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing was used to determine the SMV genome sequence (7,537 nucleotides).
- Bioinformatic analyses, including pairwise sequence alignments, were performed to compare SMV with other GII noroviruses.
- Recombinant baculovirus expression systems were employed to produce SMV VP1/VP2 proteins and assess VLP formation in insect cells.
Main Results:
- The SMV genome sequence was elucidated, exhibiting a typical calicivirus organization with three open reading frames.
- Sequence analysis indicated SMV ORF1 is highly conserved among GII noroviruses, closely related to Melksham and Hawaii strains, and suggested a recombinant origin.
- SMV VP1/VP2 proteins successfully self-assembled into VLPs in insect cells, with histidine residue 91 identified as crucial for this assembly process.
Conclusions:
- The genomic characterization of SMV provides insights into its evolutionary relationships within the GII norovirus group.
- Understanding the factors governing VLP assembly, such as the role of histidine 91, is critical for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against norovirus infections.