Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
07:35
Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 3
Published on: April 13, 2009
Genome of crocodilepox virus
C L Afonso1, E R Tulman, G Delhon
1Plum Island Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Greenport, New York, NY 11944, USA. cafonso@seprl.usda.gov
Journal of Virology
|April 28, 2006
Summary
The genome of crocodilepox virus (CRV) reveals unique genes and distinct evolutionary pathways. This reptile poxvirus offers insights into novel host-pathogen interactions and viral evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Reptile Pathogens
Background:
- Poxviruses are a diverse family of large DNA viruses with significant impact on vertebrate health.
- Understanding the genomic diversity of poxviruses is crucial for identifying novel viral mechanisms and host interactions.
- Nile crocodiles are susceptible to poxvirus infections, necessitating characterization of causative agents like crocodilepox virus (CRV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the complete genome sequence and comprehensive analysis of crocodilepox virus (CRV).
- To identify unique viral genes and compare CRV's genomic structure with other chordopoxviruses (ChPVs).
- To elucidate potential mechanisms of CRV-reptile host cell interaction based on its genetic makeup.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of crocodilepox virus (CRV).
- Bioinformatic analysis including gene prediction, comparative genomics, and phylogenetic analysis.
- Identification and characterization of CRV-specific genes and conserved ChPV genes.
Main Results:
- The CRV genome is 190,054 bp with 173 predicted genes, featuring unique terminal regions with 48 CRV-specific genes.
- CRV possesses 14 unique genes disrupting ChPV colinearity, including those encoding GyrB-like ATPases and F-box proteins involved in ubiquitination.
- Genomic analysis revealed novel DNA replication proteins, a lack of nucleotide metabolism genes, and similarities to molluscum contagiosum virus.
- Phylogenetic analysis positions CRV as a distinct new genus within Chordopoxvirinae, lacking typical ChPV virulence and host-range genes.
Conclusions:
- CRV represents a novel genus of poxvirus, distinct from other chordopoxviruses (ChPVs).
- Unique CRV genes suggest novel mechanisms for host-pathogen interaction, particularly involving ubiquitination pathways.
- The distinct genomic features of CRV provide insights into virus-reptile host interactions and poxvirus evolution.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Viruses 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...
00:58Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes
Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.
01:10Retrovirus 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...
01:26Size 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...
02:33Retroviruses
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’...
01:26DNA 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...