Nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the matrix protein of Newcastle disease virus

The nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the matrix (M) protein of the Beaudette C strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been determined from overlapping cDNA clones. Control sequences typical of paramyxovirus mRNA start and polyadenylation signals have been identified. Assuming that the M gene starts and finishes at these sequences, the M gene is 1241 nucleotides long and encodes one long open reading frame of 364 amino acids, corresponding to a polypeptide of molecular weight 39605, in good agreement with estimates from SDS gels. The M protein has an amino acid sequence that is both hydrophobic and highly basic. The NDV M protein has sequence homologies to the M proteins of Sendai, measles, canine distemper and respiratory syncytial viruses.