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RNA recombination of coronavirus
1Department of Microbiology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) RNA recombination occurs frequently across its entire genome. Analysis of recombinant viruses identified key domains within the peplomer protein, crucial for MHV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is known to undergo frequent RNA-RNA recombination.
- Understanding the mechanism and extent of MHV recombination is essential for viral genetics research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further define the mechanism of RNA recombination in Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV).
- To investigate the occurrence of recombination across the entire MHV genome.
- To identify important domains of the MHV peplomer protein through recombinant analysis.
Main Methods:
- Performing genetic crosses between different MHV strains.
- Utilizing cell fusion as a selection marker for recombinant viruses.
- Employing neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to select for specific recombinants.
Main Results:
- Isolation of recombinant MHV with multiple cross-overs, confirming high recombination frequency.
- Demonstration of recombination occurring along the entire MHV genome, including the 3'-end genes.
- Identification of cross-over sites within gene C, encoding the peplomer protein, leading to the determination of critical peplomer protein domains.
Conclusions:
- Coronavirus RNA recombination is a high-frequency event.
- Recombination can occur throughout the entire genome of Mouse hepatitis virus.
- Analysis of MHV recombinants provides insights into the functional domains of peplomer proteins.