Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Localization and Quantification of Begomoviruses in Whitefly Tissues by Immunofluorescence and Quantitative PCR
Published on: February 8, 2020
Molecular characterisation of virulence graded field isolates of myxoma virus
Kevin P Dalton1, Ines Nicieza, Aroa Baragaño
1Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Campus El Cristo, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, España. daltonkevin@uniovi.es
Background:
Myxoma virus (MV) has been endemic in Europe since shortly after its deliberate release in France in 1952. While the emergence of more resistant hosts and more transmissible and attenuated virus is well documented, there have been relatively few studies focused on the sequence changes incurred by the virus as it has adapted to its new host. In order to identify regions of variability within the MV genome to be used for phylogenetic studies and to try to investigate causes of MV strain attenuation we have molecularly characterised nine strains of MV isolated in Spain between the years 1992 and 1995 from wide ranging geographic locations and which had been previously graded for virulence by experimental infection of rabbits.
Results:
The findings reported here show the analysis of 16 genomic regions accounting for approximately 10% of the viral genomes. Of the 20 genes analysed 5 (M034L, M069L, M071L, M130R and M135R) were identical in all strains and 1 (M122R) contained only a single point mutation in an individual strain. Four genes (M002L/R, M009L, M036L and M017L) showed insertions or deletions that led to disruption of the ORFs.
Conclusions:
The findings presented here provide valuable tools for strain differentiation and phylogenetic studies of MV isolates and some clues as to the reasons for virus attenuation in the field.
Insights
Sequence changes in myxoma virus (MV) strains isolated in Spain were analyzed to understand viral adaptation and attenuation. This research identified genomic variations crucial for phylogenetic studies and investigating virus evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myxoma virus (MV) has been endemic in Europe since 1952, with documented host resistance and viral transmissibility changes.
- Limited research has focused on the specific sequence alterations in MV genomes as they adapt to new hosts.
- Understanding MV genomic variability is essential for tracking its evolution and attenuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify variable regions within the MV genome for phylogenetic analysis.
- To investigate potential causes of MV strain attenuation through molecular characterization.
- To analyze sequence changes in nine Spanish MV strains isolated between 1992-1995.
Main Methods:
- Molecular characterization of nine myxoma virus strains from Spain.
- Analysis of 16 genomic regions, representing approximately 10% of the viral genome.
- Assessment of 20 genes for sequence identity, point mutations, insertions, and deletions.
Main Results:
- Five genes (M034L, M069L, M071L, M130R, M135R) were conserved across all analyzed MV strains.
- One gene (M122R) exhibited a single point mutation in an individual strain.
- Four genes (M002L/R, M009L, M036L, M017L) contained insertions or deletions, disrupting open reading frames (ORFs).
Conclusions:
- The identified genomic variations provide valuable markers for MV strain differentiation.
- These findings support the use of sequence data for robust phylogenetic studies of MV isolates.
- The study offers insights into the molecular basis of virus attenuation in field strains.
