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Mapping of the major glycoprotein gene of human cytomegalovirus
Abstract:
The gene coding for the most abundant glycoprotein (gp58) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), strain AD169, was physically mapped on the viral genome. A monospecific rabbit antiserum against gp58 was used to screen a cDNA library that was constructed from poly(A)+ RNA of HCMV-infected cells in the prokaryotic expression vector lambda gt11. A cDNA clone was identified which synthesized part of the glycoprotein. It allowed localization of the coding region within the right terminal sequence of the HindIII-F fragment between map coordinates 0.344 and 0.380 of HCMV virion DNA.
Insights
Researchers mapped the gene for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) abundant glycoprotein 58 (gp58). This finding helps pinpoint the location of the gp58 gene within the HCMV genome, aiding future research on this common virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prevalent virus with a complex genome.
- Identifying viral genes and their functions is crucial for understanding HCMV pathogenesis and developing antiviral strategies.
- Glycoproteins play significant roles in viral structure and infection processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To physically map the gene encoding the most abundant glycoprotein (gp58) of HCMV strain AD169.
- To determine the precise location of the gp58 coding region on the viral genome.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a cDNA library from poly(A)+ RNA of HCMV-infected cells using the lambda gt11 expression vector.
- Screening of the cDNA library with a monospecific rabbit antiserum against gp58.
- Physical mapping of the identified cDNA clone to the HCMV genome.
Main Results:
- A cDNA clone synthesizing a portion of the gp58 glycoprotein was identified.
- The coding region for gp58 was localized to the right terminal sequence of the HindIII-F fragment.
- The precise map coordinates for the gp58 gene were determined to be between 0.344 and 0.380 on the HCMV virion DNA.
Conclusions:
- The gene for the most abundant HCMV glycoprotein, gp58, has been successfully mapped to a specific region of the viral genome.
- This precise localization provides a foundational element for further studies into gp58's role in HCMV infection and replication.
- The methodology employed demonstrates an effective approach for identifying and mapping viral genes using immunological screening of expression libraries.