Novel coding strategy (ambisense genomic RNA) revealed by sequence analyses of Punta Toro Phlebovirus S RNA

Sequence analyses of Punta Toro viral S RNA species indicate the existence of a novel coding strategy for RNA viruses that involves both viral complementary and viral sense mRNA species. The Punta Toro nucleocapsid protein (N, 26.9 X 10(3) Da) is coded by a discrete viral complementary mRNA species corresponding to the 3' half of the viral S RNA. A second, presumably nonstructural, gene product (NS, 29.1 X 10(3) Da) is coded by a viral sense mRNA species that corresponds to the 5' half of the viral RNA. The ambisense nature of the S RNA is unique by comparison with any other viral RNA and raises questions concerning the family assignment of phleboviruses.