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Related Experiment Videos

Terminal region sequence variations in variola virus DNA

R F Massung1, V N Loparev, J C Knight

  • 1Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.

Virology
|July 15, 1996
PubMed
Summary

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Comparing smallpox virus genomes reveals distinct genetic differences between alastrim and variola major strains. Alastrim virus shows unique proteins, suggesting evolutionary divergence and potential implications for disease characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Smallpox, caused by variola virus, has historically presented in two main forms: variola major and variola minor (alastrim).
  • Understanding the genetic basis of these variations is crucial for comprehending viral evolution and pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine and compare the genome DNA terminal region sequences of Brazilian alastrim variola minor virus strain Garcia-1966 with African and Asian variola major and minor strains.
  • To investigate the genetic relatedness and identify specific protein differences between alastrim and other variola virus strains.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of genome DNA terminal regions (30 kb) of alastrim (Garcia-1966) and African smallpox strains (Congo-1970, Somalia-1977).
  • Alignment of sequenced regions with previously determined sequences from Asian variola major strains (India-1967, Bangladesh-1975).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Deduction and comparison of amino acid sequences for putative proteins (> or = 65 amino acids).

    • Main Results:

    • High base sequence identity (> or = 98.8%) was observed between the terminal regions of African and Asian variola strains.
    • Alastrim virus (Garcia-1966) showed clear genetic divergence from both African and Asian variola strains, despite high overall sequence identity.
    • Alastrim virus shared only 10 out of 70 proteins that were 100% identical to homologs in Asian strains, with 7 alastrim-specific proteins identified.

    Conclusions:

    • Alastrim virus is genetically distinct from variola major strains, with significant differences in protein composition.
    • African and Asian variola viruses are more closely related to each other than to alastrim virus.
    • The identified alastrim-specific proteins may contribute to the lower case-fatality rate and distinct clinical presentation of alastrim.