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Human adenovirus type 41 contains two fibers
H Y Yeh1, N Pieniazek, D Pieniazek
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112-1393.
Virus Research
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Human adenovirus type 41 (Ad41) uniquely possesses two fiber genes, resulting in two distinct fiber proteins expressed on viral particles. These findings differentiate Ad41 from other human adenoviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Human adenovirus serotype 41 (Ad41) belongs to subgroup F.
- Previous DNA sequencing identified two adjacent open reading frames in the Ad41 fiber gene, suggesting potential for two distinct fiber proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the two putative fiber proteins encoded by Ad41.
- To determine if both fibers are expressed in infected cells and present on viral particles.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify mRNA from infected cells.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting using specific antibodies.
- Electron microscopy of purified virions.
- Computer-based sequence homology analysis.
Main Results:
- RT-PCR confirmed the expression of two distinct mRNA transcripts corresponding to short and long fiber genes.
- SDS-PAGE revealed two Ad41 fiber proteins with molecular weights of approximately 40 kDa (short) and 60 kDa (long).
- Electron microscopy showed two fiber sizes on purified Ad41 virions, measuring 250Å (short) and 315Å (long).
- Sequence analysis indicated conserved tail regions but distinct shaft and knob regions between the short and long fibers.
Conclusions:
- Human adenovirus type 41 virions express two distinct fiber proteins, a short and a long form.
- These findings suggest Ad41 differs from other human adenoviruses (subgenera A-E) by possessing two fiber genes and consequently, two fiber types.