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Genetic diversity and evolution of human metapneumovirus fusion protein over twenty years

Chin-Fen Yang1, Chiaoyin K Wang, Sharon J Tollefson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA. yangc@medimmune.com

Virology Journal
|September 11, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) fusion (F) protein is conserved, showing minimal genetic change over 20 years. This virus likely diverged from avian metapneumovirus type C relatively recently.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Respiratory Viruses

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant cause of acute respiratory illness in children.
  • Understanding HMPV genetic diversity is crucial for public health and vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diversity and molecular evolution of the HMPV F gene over a 20-year period.
  • To analyze evolutionary relationships and divergence times of HMPV.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 85 full-length HMPV F gene sequences.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic lineages and evolutionary relationships.
  • Estimation of mutation rates and divergence times.

Main Results:

  • HMPV F gene sequences formed two major groups with two subgroups each, showing high amino acid identity (96%).
  • Amino acid identity exceeded nucleotide identity, indicating conserved F protein structure/function.
  • Genetic lineages were stable over 20 years with minimal progressive drift; mutation rate estimated at 7.12 x 10(-4) substitutions/site/year.
  • HMPV likely diverged from avian metapneumovirus type C (AMPV-C) approximately 269 years ago.

Conclusions:

  • The HMPV F protein exhibits remarkable conservation across decades.
  • HMPV represents a relatively recent divergence from AMPV-C, impacting evolutionary understanding.

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