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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
Published on: June 16, 2011
The variability of Hosta virus X isolates in the Czech Republic
Insights
Hosta virus X (HVX) coat protein gene sequences from the Czech Republic are highly uniform. A notable exception showed distinct symptoms, suggesting a significant amino acid change impacts HVX biology.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Hosta Disease Research
Background:
- Hosta virus X (HVX) is a significant pathogen affecting Hosta plants.
- Understanding HVX genetic diversity is crucial for disease management and breeding resistant varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare the coat protein (CP) gene sequences of Czech HVX isolates.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships among HVX isolates.
- To identify potential genetic factors influencing HVX pathogenicity and symptom expression.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of the CP gene from nine Czech HVX isolates.
- Comparative sequence analysis with GenBank data.
- Phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian methods on DNA and amino acid sequences.
Main Results:
- Czech HVX isolates exhibited high sequence identity (99-100% nucleotide identity).
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed close relationships among most isolates.
- Two isolates (HVXCR1 and HVXCR8) showed significant divergence, differing by a single amino acid substitution (Q to R).
- These divergent isolates caused distinct leaf symptoms (deformation without mosaic/mottling).
Conclusions:
- HVX populations in the Czech Republic are genetically conserved.
- The observed amino acid substitution in HVXCR1 and HVXCR8 may be linked to altered symptomology.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the biological significance of this specific amino acid change in HVX.
Abstract:
The coat protein (CP) gene DNA sequences of nine isolates of Hosta virus X (HVX) from different regions of the Czech Republic were determined and compared with sequences available in GenBank. The sequences were almost uniform, the pairwise nucleotide identities among the Czech HVX isolates were 99-100%. The respective range was 98-100% when sequences from the GenBank were included. Therefore, phylogenetic analyses including Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of either, DNA and deduced amino acid sequences, showed close relationship among isolates. Only the group of two isolates, HVXCR1 and HVXCR8 showed significant sequence divergence in phylogenetic trees. The HVXCR1-HVXCR8 group differs from the others by the substitution of glutamine (Q) by arginine (R). Moreover, these isolates showed different symptoms on infected hosta leaves - deformation on the leaves without a mosaic or mottling. This amino acid change may, therefore, have a biological significance.
