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Two novel spliced genes in human cytomegalovirus
Parvis Akter1, Charles Cunningham1, Brian P McSharry2
1MRC Virology Unit, Institute of Virology, Church Street, Glasgow G11 5JR, UK.
The Journal of General Virology
|April 15, 2003
Summary
Two novel genes in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were identified. Their expression is detrimental to primate cytomegalovirus growth in cell culture, suggesting a role in viral adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant pathogen.
- Understanding HCMV gene function is crucial for antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel spliced genes in HCMV.
- To investigate the functional significance of these genes in viral replication.
Main Methods:
- Sequence comparison between HCMV and chimpanzee cytomegalovirus (CCMV).
- mRNA mapping experiments to confirm splicing patterns.
- Analysis of viral isolates from infected human tissues and cell culture.
Main Results:
- Two novel spliced genes, UL131A and UL128, were identified.
- Disruptions in UL128 and UL131A were observed in cell culture-passaged HCMV and CCMV isolates.
- Gene expression appears deleterious to primate cytomegalovirus growth in cell culture.
Conclusions:
- UL128 and UL131A expression is detrimental to primate cytomegalovirus growth in cell culture.
- These genes may play a role in viral adaptation or fitness in different host environments.
- UL128 potentially encodes a beta-chemokine, suggesting a role in immune modulation.