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Phylogeny and evolution of papillomaviruses based on the E1 and E2 proteins
Ignacio G Bravo1, Angel Alonso
1Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (F050), Im Neuenheimer Feld-242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. i.bravo@dkfz.de
Virus Genes
|August 24, 2006
Summary
Papillomaviruses (PVs) infect vertebrates and cause various lesions. Analyzing E1 and E2 proteins offers a new classification system, separating high-risk mucosal, low-risk mucosal, and cutaneous types.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Papillomaviridae are small DNA viruses infecting vertebrate epithelia.
- These viruses are linked to benign and malignant tumors, including cervical cancer.
- Current classification relies on the L1 capsid gene, but evolutionary inconsistencies exist for other genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships of Papillomaviruses (PVs) using E1 and E2 proteins.
- To establish an alternative classification system for PVs based on evolutionary data.
- To understand the evolutionary trends and diversification of PVs.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of Papillomavirus (PV) E1 and E2 proteins.
- Comparative analysis of evolutionary histories of different PV genes.
- Examination of evolutionary rates in mucosal versus cutaneous PVs.
Main Results:
- Evolutionary analysis using E1 and E2 proteins provides a robust phylogeny and insights into viral behavior.
- A new classification system separates mucosal high-risk, mucosal low-risk, and cutaneous PVs.
- PV evolution is non-homogeneous, with mucosal human PVs evolving faster than cutaneous types.
Conclusions:
- E1 and E2 protein analysis offers a superior alternative for PV classification and understanding viral evolution.
- This approach clarifies the diversification of PVs and their association with malignancy.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding of viral diversity and disease development.
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