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Sequence and in vitro expression of the phosphoprotein gene of avian pneumovirus
Abstract:
The phosphoprotein (P) gene of two subgroup A strains of avian pneumovirus comprised 855 nucleotides containing only one substantial open reading frame encoding a protein of 278 amino acids, with a predicted M(r) of 30,323. In vitro translation of P mRNA in a wheat germ system resulted in the synthesis of two polypeptides of M(r) 35,000. Comparison of the deduced P protein sequence with that of the known mammalian pneumoviruses revealed overall amino acid identities ranging from 31 to 34.5%, suggesting a distant relationship. However, there was a much higher identity (63.2-68.4%) in a region of 57 residues, which included a heptad repeat sequence.
Insights
Avian pneumovirus phosphoprotein (P) gene analysis reveals distant relationships with mammalian pneumoviruses. A conserved heptad repeat region suggests functional importance in avian pneumovirus P protein.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Avian pneumovirus (APV) is an important respiratory pathogen in poultry.
- Understanding the genetic makeup of APV is crucial for developing control strategies.
- The phosphoprotein (P) gene is a key component of the pneumovirus genome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phosphoprotein (P) gene of subgroup A avian pneumovirus strains.
- To compare the deduced P protein sequence with those of mammalian pneumoviruses.
- To identify conserved regions within the P protein.
Main Methods:
- Nucleotide sequencing of the P gene from two APV subgroup A strains.
- In vitro translation of P mRNA using a wheat germ system.
- Bioinformatic analysis for sequence comparison and identity assessment.
Main Results:
- The P gene consists of 855 nucleotides, encoding a 278-amino acid protein.
- In vitro translation produced two polypeptides of approximately 35,000 M(r).
- Sequence comparison revealed 31-34.5% overall amino acid identity with mammalian pneumoviruses, but 63.2-68.4% identity in a 57-residue region containing a heptad repeat.
Conclusions:
- Avian pneumovirus P protein shares distant evolutionary relationship with mammalian pneumovirus P proteins.
- A highly conserved region with a heptad repeat in the P protein suggests functional significance.
- Further research into this conserved region may elucidate APV pathogenesis and provide targets for intervention.