Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes
08:56

Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes

Published on: July 27, 2018

The complete sequence of the bovine torovirus genome

Ryan Draker1, Rachel L Roper, Martin Petric

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada.

Virus Research
|September 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of bovine torovirus (BoTV-1), revealing key replicase genes and protease domains. This study provides the first complete torovirus genome sequence, advancing understanding of Coronaviridae family viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Coronaviridae family viruses, including SARS-HCoV and HCoV-NL63, have gained attention.
  • The genus Torovirus is less understood due to challenges in cell culture propagation.
  • Bovine torovirus (BoTV-1) represents an important, yet understudied, member of this genus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the complete genome sequence of bovine torovirus (BoTV-1).
  • To analyze the genetic makeup and identify key functional domains within the BoTV-1 genome.
  • To provide the first complete genomic data for a torovirus.

Main Methods:

  • Bovine torovirus (BoTV-1) RNA was extracted.
  • Long reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed for amplification.
  • Amplicons were sequenced to determine the full genome.

Main Results:

  • The complete genome sequence of BoTV-1 was determined, measuring 28.475 kb.
  • The genome primarily consists of the replicase gene, containing overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) ORF1a and ORF1b.
  • Analysis revealed conserved protease domains (3C-like serine protease, papain-like cysteine protease), the unique ADRP domain, hydrophobic domains, polymerase, helicase, and ribosomal frameshifting elements.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first complete genome sequence of a torovirus.
  • The identified genetic features provide insights into the replication mechanisms of toroviruses.
  • The findings contribute to a better understanding of the Coronaviridae family, particularly nidoviruses.

More Related Videos

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses12:20

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

Published on: December 29, 2015

Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy09:13

Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

Published on: November 1, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Bacteriophages of the Human Virome01:23

Bacteriophages of the Human Virome

Bacteriophages are found throughout the human body. They may even outnumber eukaryotic viruses, forming an important and dynamic component of the human virome. Indeed, phages represent the most abundant viral entities, with densities in the gut reaching up to 10⁹ particles per gram of fecal matter, and many belonging to orders such as Caudovirales and Microviridae, while a substantial proportion remains unclassified as viral “dark matter.”Lysogeny and Genetic ExchangeIn the gut, bacteriophages...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...