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Genetic polymorphism in the rabies virus nucleoprotein gene
Virology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Rabies virus (RABV) genetic diversity was analyzed using nucleoprotein gene sequencing. The study identified 11 distinct RABV lineages globally, primarily driven by synonymous mutations and host specificity, impacting viral evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Genetics
Background:
- Lyssavirus genotypes exhibit intrinsic and extrinsic genetic diversity.
- Understanding rabies virus (RABV) genetic diversity is crucial for epidemiology and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the genetic diversity of RABV isolates worldwide.
- To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns within RABV genotype 1.
Main Methods:
- Partial sequencing of 69 RABV isolates and comparison with 13 representative lyssavirus isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the complete nucleoprotein (N) coding gene (1350 bases).
- Analysis of shorter nucleotide sequences: N protein N-terminus and noncoding regions.
Main Results:
- All sequenced RABV isolates belonged to genotype 1.
- At least 11 distinct phylogenetic lineages were identified, correlating with geographic origin and host species.
- Lineage divergence was mainly due to synonymous mutations; stabilizing selection limited amino acid and antigenic changes.
- Shorter nucleotide sequences provided useful, though less robust, phylogenetic data for epidemiological studies.
- A noncoding sequence exhibited a higher mutation rate but followed a similar evolutionary pattern to the coding N gene.
Conclusions:
- Rabies virus genotype 1 displays significant genetic diversity with distinct geographical and host-associated lineages.
- Synonymous mutations and stabilizing selection are key drivers of RABV evolution.
- Both complete and partial gene sequences, including noncoding regions, offer valuable insights into RABV epidemiology and evolution.