Editing of morbillivirus P gene transcripts in infected animals
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Published on: September 13, 2018
Abstract:
RNA editing in the Morbillivirus genus in vivo was investigated by applying a polymerase chain reaction-based primer extension technique to measure the edited and non-edited mRNA transcripts. In this genus of the Paramyxoviridae the P gene transcript is altered by the co-transcriptional addition of one extra G residue to produce the mRNA for the V non-structural protein. Using tissues of phocine distemper virus (PDV) infected seals, canine distemper virus (CDV) infected dogs and rinderpest virus (RPV) infected cattle, it was demonstrated that editing occurs in vivo. The P:V mRNA ratios were generally similar to those found in tissue culture infections with the same virus and a minor fraction of transcripts had 2-4 extra G residues. In one seal brain infected with PDV the ratio of P:V mRNA was reversed but no differences were found in the levels of mRNA editing in different tissues from the same animal infected with CDV or RPV. However, variation was seen between animals infected with different isolates of RPV and even between animals infected with the same isolate of RPV.
Insights
RNA editing in Morbillivirus occurs in vivo, altering P gene transcripts to produce V non-structural protein mRNA. Editing levels varied between different virus isolates and animals, but were consistent across tissues within the same animal.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Morbillivirus, a genus within Paramyxoviridae, exhibits RNA editing.
- The P gene transcript is modified by adding a G residue to form V protein mRNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vivo RNA editing in Morbillivirus.
- To quantify edited and non-edited mRNA transcripts using a PCR-based primer extension technique.
Main Methods:
- Applied polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based primer extension.
- Analyzed mRNA transcripts from phocine distemper virus (PDV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and rinderpest virus (RPV) infected animals.
- Measured P:V mRNA ratios in various tissues.
Main Results:
- In vivo RNA editing was confirmed in PDV, CDV, and RPV infections.
- P:V mRNA ratios in vivo were comparable to tissue culture findings.
- A small fraction of transcripts contained 2-4 extra G residues.
- Editing levels varied between RPV isolates and infected animals, but not significantly between tissues of the same animal.
Conclusions:
- RNA editing is a conserved mechanism in Morbillivirus genus infections in vivo.
- In vivo editing patterns generally mirror in vitro observations.
- Variability in editing exists between different virus strains and individual hosts.
