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Molecular cloning, physical mapping and cross-hybridization of the murine adenovirus type 1 and type 2 genomes

C Jacques1, L Cousineau, B D'Amours

  • 1Centre de Recherche en Virologie, Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval-des-Rapides, Québec, Canada.

Insights

Murine adenoviruses (MAd) type 1 and 2 genomes were analyzed, revealing distinct genetic profiles and homologous DNA sequences. These findings confirm two separate mouse adenovirus species with genetic links to human adenovirus type 2.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Murine adenoviruses (MAd) are known pathogens in mice.
  • Understanding their genetic diversity is crucial for diagnostics and research.
  • Previous studies suggested potential relationships between different MAd strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize Murine Adenovirus type 1 (MAd-1) and Murine Adenovirus type 2 (MAd-2).
  • To compare the restriction endonuclease cleavage sites and map the genomes of MAd-1 and MAd-2.
  • To investigate the genetic relatedness between MAd-1, MAd-2, and human adenovirus type 2 (HAd-2).

Main Methods:

  • Cloning of MAd-1 and MAd-2 genomes into plasmid pAT153.
  • Restriction endonuclease digestion and analysis using BglII, ClaI, EcoRI, HindIII, and SphI.
  • Cross-hybridization experiments to identify homologous DNA sequences.
  • Physical mapping of viral genomes.

Main Results:

  • The MAd-1 and MAd-2 genomes were mapped, showing significant differences in restriction site number and location (30.10 kb and 34.71 kb, respectively).
  • Homologous DNA sequences were identified between MAd-1 and MAd-2.
  • Genetic relatedness was established between MAd-1, MAd-2, and HAd-2, particularly in sequences coding for structural proteins.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the existence of two distinct adenovirus species in mice: MAd-1 and MAd-2.
  • Shared nucleotide sequences between MAd and HAd-2 likely explain observed antigenic similarities.
  • These findings provide a foundation for further research into MAd pathogenesis and evolution.

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