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PCV2 replicase transcripts in infected porcine kidney (PK15) cells
1Department of Virology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Buenos Aires, Chorroarin 280, 1427 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Virus Genes
|July 26, 2003
Summary
This study identifies a novel transcript, Rep", in Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) infected cells. This unique transcript may play a role in PCV2 pathogenesis, distinguishing it from the non-pathogenic PCV1.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circoviridae are small viruses with circular single-stranded DNA.
- Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) is associated with Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS).
- Porcine Circovirus 1 (PCV1) is a non-pathogenic relative found in cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcripts of the replicase (Rep) gene in PCV2.
- To identify differences in gene expression between pathogenic PCV2 and non-pathogenic PCV1.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify transcripts.
- Sequence analysis was performed on identified transcripts.
Main Results:
- Three distinct transcripts were identified in PCV2-infected PK15 cells.
- Two transcripts showed homology to PCV1 counterparts (Rep and Rep').
- A third transcript, Rep", unique to PCV2, was identified, encoding an 80-amino acid protein.
Conclusions:
- PCV2 possesses a unique spliced transcript (Rep") not found in PCV1.
- This novel transcript may contribute to PCV2 pathogenicity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the function of the Rep" protein.