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Cloning and characterisation of a delta virus cDNA sequence derived from a human source
Journal of Medical Virology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers extracted delta virus RNA, cloning a cDNA sequence (D380). This new sequence differs significantly from known delta virus strains, revealing genetic diversity among these viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an RNA virus that requires coinfection with hepatitis B virus for replication.
- Previous studies have characterized HDV RNA sequences, but the extent of genetic variation was not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic sequence of a novel Hepatitis delta virus isolate.
- To investigate the genetic heterogeneity among different HDV isolates.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of delta virus RNA from patient serum.
- Cloning and sequencing of a 380-nucleotide cDNA fragment (D380).
- Comparative analysis of the D380 sequence with previously published HDV sequences.
Main Results:
- The D380 sequence exhibited approximately 20% divergence from known HDV sequences.
- The D380 sequence did not contain the previously reported viroid consensus sequence.
- A potential open reading frame spanning the entire D380 was identified.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm significant genetic heterogeneity among Hepatitis delta virus isolates.
- This genetic variation may have implications for HDV evolution and pathogenesis.