Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:23
Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: April 17, 2017
Evidence for a complex mosaic genome pattern in a full-length hepatitis C virus sequence.
R S Ross1, J Verbeeck, S Viazov
1Institute of Virology, National Reference Centre for HCV, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. stefan.ross@uni-due.de
Evolutionary Bioinformatics Online
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) evolution is complex. Researchers discovered a mosaic HCV genome (AY651061) with multiple breakpoints, challenging previous understandings of viral genetic variability and recombination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) displays significant genetic variability, primarily attributed to mutations.
- The role of recombination in HCV evolution is debated, with limited evidence for its contribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular structure of a full-length HCV sequence (AY651061) exhibiting potential inter-subtype recombination.
- To determine if recombination significantly contributes to HCV genetic diversity.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of numerous HCV sequences from GenBank.
- Detailed molecular structural analysis of the identified HCV sequence AY651061.
Main Results:
- The HCV sequence AY651061 was identified as a complex mosaic genome of subtypes 1a/1c, not a simple 1c isolate.
- Five putative breakpoints were detected within the core to NS3 regions of the AY651061 genome.
- This represents the first reported full-length mosaic HCV sequence with multiple breakpoints, similar to other flaviviridae.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of a mosaic HCV genome with multiple breakpoints provides new insights into viral evolution.
- This finding has significant implications for HCV research, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies.
- Recombination may play a more substantial role in HCV genetic diversification than previously recognized.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
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...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
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’...
00:56Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.