Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Rapid, Seamless Generation of Recombinant Poxviruses using Host Range and Visual Selection
09:25

Rapid, Seamless Generation of Recombinant Poxviruses using Host Range and Visual Selection

Published on: May 24, 2020

Host-derived pathogenicity islands in poxviruses

Melissa Da Silva1, Chris Upton

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada. mdasilva@uvic.ca

Virology Journal
|April 13, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Poxvirus genome analysis reveals distinct DNA regions with unusual A+T content, suggesting recent acquisition of host genes. This finding aids in understanding poxvirus evolution and virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Poxviruses are significant pathogens and vaccine vectors with large dsDNA genomes.
  • Their genomes encode conserved replication/transcription proteins and variable virulence factors.
  • Understanding poxvirus genome evolution, particularly gene acquisition, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify regions within poxvirus genomes with unusual nucleotide composition.
  • To investigate the evolutionary origins of these genomic regions and associated genes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized bioinformatics tools to analyze poxvirus genome sequences.
  • Employed dotplots to visualize and identify regions with significant deviations in A+T content.

Main Results:

  • Identified genomic regions with atypical A+T content compared to the overall poxvirus genome.
  • These regions, potentially acquired recently, may contain virulence factor genes.

Conclusions:

  • Dotplots effectively locate poxvirus genome regions with distinct A+T content.
  • Genes in these regions likely represent recent acquisitions from host or other AT-rich poxviruses, offering insights into viral evolution.

More Related Videos

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 210:55

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 2

Published on: April 10, 2009

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 307:35

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 3

Published on: April 13, 2009

Related Concept Videos

Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Subviral Agents01:29

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...