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Group II nucleopolyhedrovirus subgroups revealed by phylogenetic analysis of polyhedrin and DNA polymerase gene

D M Bulach1, C A Kumar, A Zaia

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|January 8, 1999
PubMed

Insights

This study details nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) relationships using DNA polymerase sequences, identifying three Group II subclades (A, B, C) and linking Subgroup II-A to noctuid hosts for virus and host evolution insights.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) are classified into two major groups, I and II.
  • Understanding detailed phylogenetic relationships within NPVs is crucial for evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate detailed phylogenetic relationships among NPVs, particularly within Group II.
  • To investigate correlations between virus evolution and lepidopteran host evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Sequencing of DNA polymerase and polyhedrin genes from various NPV taxa using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • Phylogenetic analysis of aligned molecular sequences from DNA polymerase and occlusion proteins.
  • Comparison of phylogenetic trees derived from different gene sequences.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of DNA polymerase sequences supports LdMNPV in Group II and identifies three subclades: II-A, II-B, and II-C.
  • Subgroup II-A comprises NPVs from noctuid hosts, suggesting a potential co-evolutionary link.
  • Comparison with occlusion protein sequences confirms the three Group II subclades.

Conclusions:

  • The study refines the classification of Group II NPVs into three distinct subclades.
  • Evidence suggests a correlation between virus evolution and host specificity within Group II NPVs.
  • Developed methods enable rapid sequencing of NPV DNA polymerase genes for future research.

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