Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
09:57
Development and Validation of a Quantitative PCR Method for Equid Herpesvirus-2 Diagnostics in Respiratory Fluids
Published on: March 17, 2016
The DNA sequence of equine herpesvirus-4
E A Telford1, M S Watson, J Perry
1Institute of Virology, University of Glasgow, UK.
The Journal of General Virology
|May 29, 1998
Summary
The complete DNA sequence of equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4) was determined, revealing its genome structure and 79 predicted genes. This finding aids in understanding EHV-4 and its relation to equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Equine herpesviruses (EHV) are significant pathogens in horses.
- Understanding viral genome structure is crucial for developing control strategies.
- Equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4) and equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) are closely related but distinct viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete DNA sequence of the EHV-4 strain NS80567.
- To analyze the genomic structure, including unique and repeat regions.
- To compare the coding capacity of EHV-4 with that of EHV-1.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of EHV-4 strain NS80567.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the DNA sequence.
- Comparative genomics with EHV-1.
Main Results:
- The complete EHV-4 genome is 145,597 bp, comprising unique and inverted repeat regions.
- EHV-4 is predicted to have 76 different genes, totaling 79 genes due to repeats.
- EHV-4 shares 76 different genes with EHV-1, which has 80 genes total.
Conclusions:
- The determined EHV-4 genome sequence provides a comprehensive resource for molecular and comparative studies.
- The genomic differences between EHV-4 and EHV-1, particularly in repeat regions, may explain variations in their biological properties.
- Refined interpretations of viral coding capacity are achieved through complete genome sequencing and comparison.
Related Concept Videos
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:28Rabies
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
01:23Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...