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Published on: July 6, 2013
Genotypic analysis of two hypervariable human cytomegalovirus genes.
Amanda J Bradley1, Ida J Kovács, Derek Gatherer
1MRC Virology Unit, Institute of Virology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Journal of Medical Virology
|July 24, 2008
Summary
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genes UL146 and UL139 show significant genetic variation, forming distinct genotypes globally. Mixed HCMV infections are common, with genotypes likely originating in early human populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) exhibits conserved and variable genes.
- UL146 (CXC chemokine) and UL139 (membrane glycoprotein) are notably variable.
- Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for HCMV research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of HCMV UL146 and UL139 genes.
- To investigate the evolutionary patterns and potential for mixed infections.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of UL146 and UL139 genes from 184 HCMV samples across continents.
- Genotyping analysis to classify sequence variations.
- Phylogenetic analysis to assess evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- UL146 sequences yielded 14 genotypes; UL139 sequences yielded 8 genotypes.
- Variation in UL146 is widespread; UL139 variation is concentrated in a glycosylation region.
- No clear geographical separation of genotypes; mixed infections are frequent.
- High sequence divergence precluded reliable alignment in variable regions.
Conclusions:
- HCMV genotypes likely originated in early human populations and have spread globally.
- Genetic diversity and recombination play significant roles in HCMV evolution.
- Further research is needed to understand the evolutionary mechanisms driving HCMV diversity.
