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Mapping of the influenza virus genome. III. Identification of genes coding for nucleoprotein, membrane protein, and
Abstract:
In previous communications we reported that the eight RNA segments of influenza A/PR/8/34 (HON1) virus could be distinguished from corresponding segments of influenza A/Hong Kong/8/68 (H3N2) virus by migration on polyacrylamide-urea gels. Examination of the RNA patterns of the two parent viruses and recombinants derived from them in concert with serological identification of surface proteins and analysis of the other proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gels permitted the identification of the genes coding for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and the P1, P2, and P3 proteins (Palese and Schulman, 1976; P. Palese et al., Virology, in press). In the present report we have extended these observations using similar techniques to examine other recombinants and have identified the genes coding for the remaining virus-specific moving RNA segment as 1) and segment 6 of Hong Kong virus coding for the respective nucleoproteins, and that segment 7 of both viruses codes for the membtane protein and RNA segment 8 codes for the nonstructural protein. This completes the mapping of the influenza A virus genome.
Insights
This study maps the influenza A virus genome by identifying genes for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and other proteins. Researchers successfully mapped all eight RNA segments, completing the influenza A virus genome map.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous work distinguished influenza A/PR/8/34 (HON1) and A/Hong Kong/8/68 (H3N2) RNA segments using polyacrylamide-urea gel electrophoresis.
- Initial studies identified genes for hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and P1, P2, P3 proteins through RNA analysis and protein characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To complete the genetic mapping of the influenza A virus genome.
- To identify the genes responsible for the remaining RNA segments in influenza A viruses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of RNA patterns from parent viruses and recombinant influenza A strains using polyacrylamide-urea gel electrophoresis.
- Serological identification of surface proteins.
- Protein analysis using sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gels.
Main Results:
- Identified genes for nucleoproteins (segment 6 of Hong Kong virus).
- Confirmed segment 7 codes for the membrane protein.
- Confirmed segment 8 codes for the nonstructural protein, completing the genome map.
Conclusions:
- Successfully mapped all eight RNA segments of the influenza A virus genome.
- This comprehensive mapping provides a foundational understanding of influenza A virus genetics and evolution.