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Molecular cloning of the rinderpest virus matrix gene: comparative sequence analysis with other paramyxoviruses
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis 95616.
Abstract:
The nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the matrix or membrane (M) protein of the virulent (Kabete-O) strain of rinderpest virus (RPV) has been determined. The M gene is 1457 nucleotides long with a single, large open reading frame. The derived polypeptide has 335 amino acids, corresponding to a calculated molecular weight of 38,289 and contains both small hydrophobic regions and many basic residues. The predicted amino acid sequence was compared to the M proteins of paramyxoviruses. Sequence comparison and hydropathy profiles among the morbilliviruses revealed that the M protein of RPV exhibits features similar to those of the M protein of MV and CDV. There is 78.2% homology at the amino acid level between the M protein of RPV and MV, and 77.6% between RPV and CDV. This indicates that a high degree of homology exists among the members of the genus Morbillivirus. In contrast, there is only 37.3 and 18% homology between RPV and bovine parainfluenza type 3 (BPV3), and RPV and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) M proteins, respectively. Thus the M proteins of the morbilliviruses are highly conserved whereas the M proteins of the genus Paramyxovirus show more divergence.
Insights
The matrix protein gene of rinderpest virus (RPV) was sequenced, revealing high homology with related morbilliviruses. This finding highlights conserved M protein features within the Morbillivirus genus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- The matrix (M) protein is a crucial component of paramyxoviruses, involved in virus assembly and budding.
- Understanding M protein genetic diversity is essential for viral classification and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the nucleotide sequence of the matrix (M) protein gene from the virulent Kabete-O strain of rinderpest virus (RPV).
- To compare the RPV M protein sequence with those of other paramyxoviruses to understand evolutionary relationships.
Main Methods:
- Nucleotide sequencing of the RPV M gene.
- Bioinformatic analysis including open reading frame identification, amino acid prediction, and sequence homology comparisons.
- Hydropathy profiling to predict protein structure and function.
Main Results:
- The RPV M gene is 1457 nucleotides long, encoding a 335-amino acid protein.
- RPV M protein shares high amino acid homology (78.2% with measles virus, 77.6% with canine distemper virus) within the Morbillivirus genus.
- Lower homology was observed with M proteins from bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (37.3%) and Newcastle disease virus (18%), indicating greater divergence in the Paramyxovirus genus.
Conclusions:
- The M proteins of morbilliviruses are highly conserved, supporting their classification within the same genus.
- Significant divergence in M protein sequences between Morbillivirus and other Paramyxovirus genera was observed.
- This study provides valuable molecular data for understanding RPV evolution and its relationship to other paramyxoviruses.