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Erratic G-->A hypermutation within a complete caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) provirus
S Wain-Hobson1, P Sonigo, M Guyader
1Unité de Rétrovirologie Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Virology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
The caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) provirus sequence revealed extensive G-to-A hypermutation, leading to a defective virus. This erratic mutation pattern likely stems from fluctuating dCTP levels during reverse transcription.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a lentivirus affecting goats.
- Understanding lentiviral genome structure and mutation is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete nucleotide sequence of an integrated CAEV provirus.
- To investigate the nature and pattern of mutations within the CAEV genome.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of the integrated CAEV provirus.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the nucleotide sequence.
Main Results:
- The complete nucleotide sequence of an integrated CAEV provirus was determined.
- The provirus exhibited extensive G-to-A hypermutation, rendering it defective.
- Mutation distribution was erratic, with juxtaposed hypermutated and normal regions.
- Sequence variation in surface glycoproteins showed subtle differences compared to primate lentiviruses.
Conclusions:
- CAEV G-to-A hypermutation is an erratic process potentially linked to intracellular dCTP pool fluctuations during reverse transcription.
- The defective nature of this CAEV provirus highlights the impact of hypermutation on viral integrity.
- Distinct sequence variation patterns in CAEV surface glycoproteins may have implications for viral evolution and host interactions.