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Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
08:57

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

Shift of phylogenic position in megalocytiviruses based on three different genes

Se Ryun Kwon1, Toyohiko Nishizawa, Jong-Won Park

  • 1Department of Aquatic Life Medical Sciences, Sunmoon University, Chung Nam, 336-708, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Microbiology (Seoul, Korea)
|December 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Megalocytivirus isolates from Japan and Korea were genetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clusters, with some isolates showing a shift in their phylogenetic position depending on the gene studied.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Megalocytiviruses are significant fish pathogens.
  • Understanding their genetic diversity is crucial for disease management.
  • Previous studies have established basic phylogenetic frameworks for megalocytiviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize Japanese and Korean megalocytivirus isolates.
  • To determine the phylogenetic relationships of these isolates with known megalocytiviruses.
  • To investigate potential variations in phylogenetic positioning based on different genes.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of major capsid protein (MCP), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and PstI fragment genes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using established and newly sequenced megalocytivirus genomes.
  • Comparative sequence identity analysis within identified clusters.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic trees formed three major clusters (M1-M3/P1-P3) and two minor clusters within genogroup I (M1a/M1b and P1a/P1b).
  • High sequence identity (>97%) was observed within most clusters, with exceptions in the PstI fragment gene (>94%).
  • Isolates JPN-YelTail and JPN-BfTuna exhibited different cluster placements depending on the gene analyzed, indicating a phylogenetic position shift.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights genetic diversity within megalocytiviruses.
  • Different genes can lead to varying phylogenetic classifications for the same viral isolates.
  • Further research is needed to explore the implications of this phylogenetic shift on viral antigenicity and pathogenicity.

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