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A p12 gag gene homologue is present in the mouse genome
1Institute of Biological Chemistry G. Fornaini, University of Urbino, Italy.
Abstract:
A replication-defective virus (BM5d) of approximately 4.9 kb, is responsible for a retrovirus induced immunodeficiency syndrome in mice (MAIDS) that shares many features with AIDS. BM5d is characterized by deletions in env and pol genes, furthermore its gag gene differs markedly from gag of other BM5 ecotropic viruses, particularly in its p12 sequence. The p12 region of the gag gene has been shown to account for the pathogenicity of the BM5d retrovirus. During our studies of BM5d integration in mice we found that p12-like sequences are present in the mouse genome of uninfected healthy C57BL/6 mice. Cloning and sequencing of this p12 gag homologue has revealed a high (63% to 89%) amino acid derived sequence identity with other retroviruses and shown that the major differences among p12 of pathogenic viral strains compared to non-pathogenic ones consist of a four amino acids deletion and a high abundance of proline and basic amino acids in their p12 region.
Insights
Researchers found mouse retrovirus (BM5d) p12-like sequences in healthy mice. These sequences share high identity with retroviruses, differing in deletions and amino acid composition, potentially explaining pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Retroviral pathogenesis
- Molecular virology
- Immunodeficiency syndromes
Background:
- Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) is induced by the replication-defective retrovirus BM5d.
- BM5d exhibits deletions in env and pol genes and a distinct gag gene, particularly the p12 sequence, which is linked to pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of p12-like sequences in the genome of healthy mice.
- To compare these endogenous sequences with the pathogenic BM5d retrovirus p12 region.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of p12 gag homologues from healthy C57BL/6 mouse genomes.
- Bioinformatic analysis of sequence identity and structural differences compared to retroviral p12 sequences.
Main Results:
- p12-like sequences were identified in the mouse genome of uninfected, healthy C57BL/6 mice.
- These endogenous sequences showed 63% to 89% amino acid identity with other retroviruses.
- Key differences in pathogenic viral strains included a four-amino acid deletion and a high abundance of proline and basic amino acids in the p12 region.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous retroviral sequences homologous to the pathogenic BM5d p12 region exist in healthy mice.
- Specific sequence variations, including deletions and amino acid composition, may determine the pathogenicity of retroviruses like BM5d.