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Completion of the Norwalk virus genome sequence
1Division of Molecular Virology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Virus Genes
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Norwalk virus (NV) genomic RNA has 12 additional nucleotides at its 5' end, completing its sequence. This finding is crucial for understanding the biology of this common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Norwalk virus (NV) is a prototype human calicivirus responsible for epidemic acute gastroenteritis.
- NV and Southampton virus (SHV) share high nucleotide and amino acid similarity, but SHV is antigenically distinct.
- A recent review noted 12 additional nucleotides at the 5' end of SHV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of additional nucleotides at the 5' end of the NV genome.
- To complete the genome sequence of Norwalk virus.
Main Methods:
- Homopolymeric tailing of NV cDNA using dCTP and dATP.
- Analysis of NV genomic RNA sequence.
Main Results:
- Discovery of 12 additional nucleotides at the 5' end of the NV genomic RNA.
- Confirmation that the NV genome sequence is now complete.
Conclusions:
- The NV genome sequence is now fully characterized.
- This completes the genomic information for the prototype human calicivirus.
- Understanding the complete genome is vital for viral biology research.