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Title: Molecular analysis of complete genomic sequences of four isolates of Gooseberry vein banding associated virus

Author
item XU, DONGLIN - South China Agricultural University
item Mock, Raymond
item Kinard, Gary
item Li, Ruhui

Submitted to: Virus Genes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2011
Publication Date: 8/1/2011
Citation: Xu, D., Mock, R.G., Kinard, G.R., Li, R. 2011. Molecular analysis of complete genomic sequences of four isolates of Gooseberry vein banding associated virus. Virus Genes. 43:130-137.

Interpretive Summary: Currants and gooseberries are important small fruits, and they are commonly used for jams and syrups. These crops are also attracting more interest because they contain high contents of antioxidants. Gooseberry vein banding disease (GVBD) is a major disease of these crops. Gooseberry vein banding associated virus (GVBaV), a rod-shaped virus with DNA as its genetic material, is one of causal agents of GVBD. In this study, the complete sequence of the virus was determined for the first time. Analysis of the genetic information shows that GVBaV is a distinct species in a virus genus named Badnavirus. The study provides the information necessary for the proper grouping and naming of the virus, and further characterizes it at the molecular level. It also assists with the development of better diagnostic techniques for the virus.

Technical Abstract: Presence of Gooseberry vein banding associated virus (GVBaV), a badnavirus in the family Caulimoviridae, is strongly correlated with gooseberry vein banding disease in Ribes spp. In this study, full-length genomic sequences of four GVBaV isolates from different hosts and geographic regions were determined to be 7649-7663 nucleotides. These isolates share identities of 96.4-97.3% for the complete genomic sequence, indicating low genetic diversity among them. The GVBaV genome contains three open reading frames (ORFs) on the plus-strand that potentially encode proteins of 26, 16 and 216 kDa. The size and organization of GVBaV ORFs 1-3 are similar to those of most other badnaviruses. The putative amino acid sequence of GVBaV ORF 3 contained motifs that are conserved among badnavirus proteins including aspartic protease, reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H. The highly conserved putative plant tRNAmet-binding site is also present in the 935-bp intergenic region of GVBaV. The identities of the genomic sequences of GVBaV and other badnaviruses range from 49.1% (Sugarcane bacilliform Mor virus) to 51.7% (Pelargonium vein banding virus, PVBV). Phylogenetic analysis using the amino acid sequence of the ORF 3 putative protein shows that GVBaV groups most closely to Dioscorea bacilliform virus, PVBV and Taro bacilliform virus. These results confirm that GVBaV is a pararetrovirus of the genus Badnavirus in the family Caulimoviridae.