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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
11:40
Simplified Reverse Genetics Method to Recover Recombinant Rotaviruses Expressing Reporter Proteins
Published on: April 17, 2020
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Intragenic recombination influences rotavirus diversity and evolution
Irene Hoxie1,2, John J Dennehy1,2
1Biology Department, Queens College of The City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, NY 11367, USA.
Virus Evolution
|January 18, 2020
Summary
Homologous recombination, previously thought rare in rotaviruses, is now shown to be a significant evolutionary driver. Analysis of over 23,000 genomes revealed numerous recombination events influencing rotavirus diversity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rotaviruses possess a segmented dsRNA genome and a unique replication mode.
- Homologous recombination is generally considered a rare event in rotavirus evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and impact of homologous recombination in rotaviruses.
- To determine if recombination influences rotavirus evolution and diversity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 23,627 complete rotavirus genome sequences from the NCBI Virus Variation database.
- Identification and characterization of homologous recombination events.
- Protein structural predictions to assess the impact of recombination on protein structure.
Main Results:
- 109 instances of homologous recombination were identified, with 11 occurring in multiple isolates.
- Evidence of intergenotypic recombination, particularly in segment 9 (VP7).
- Recombination junctions showed nonrandom distribution, correlating with RNA secondary structures, and occurred in 9 out of 11 rotavirus A segments.
Conclusions:
- Homologous recombination is a more significant factor in rotavirus evolution than previously assumed.
- Recombination contributes to rotavirus diversity and may facilitate adaptation.
- The findings challenge the prevailing sentiment regarding the rarity of rotavirus recombination.
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