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Title: Complete genome sequence of Pokeweed mosaic virus and its relationship to other members of the genus Potyvirus

Author
item XU, DONGLIN - South China Agricultural University
item WANG, MINGQIANG - South China Agricultural University
item Kinard, Gary
item Li, Ruhui

Submitted to: Archives of Virology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/28/2012
Publication Date: 7/5/2012
Citation: Xu, D., Wang, M., Kinard, G.R., Li, R. 2012. Complete genome sequence of Pokeweed mosaic virus and its relationship to other members of the genus Potyvirus. Archives of Virology. 157:2023-2026.

Interpretive Summary: Pokeweed is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, and has been cultivated as a medical herb in many countries. Pokeweed mosaic virus (PkMV) is the causal agent of a mosaic disease. Although the virus has been known for many years, its genetic information had never been determined. In this study, we determined the complete genetic sequence of PkMV. We discovered that this virus is most closely related to viruses infecting potato and tobacco. These viruses formed a distinct genetic cluster, indicating they may share a common ancestor in their evolution. The study provides information for scientists to group and name viruses. The information can also be used by scientists and diagnostic companies to develop detection methods for this virus.

Technical Abstract: The complete genomic sequences of two isolates of Pokeweed mosaic virus (PkMV) were determined to be 9512 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly(A) tail. The two PkMV isolates are virtually the same in their genomic sequences. The PkMV genome contains a single large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3056 amino acid residues. Its genomic organization is typical of potyviruses and contains conserved motifs found in members of the genus Potyvirus. Pairwise comparison shows that PkMV and other members of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae share identities of 51.0-57.5% at genomic sequence level and 39.8-53.0% at polyprotein sequence level. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polyprotein sequences indicates that PkMV is most closely related to Potato virus A, Tobacco vein mottling virus and Tobacco etch virus in the PVY group of the genus Potyvirus. The genomic information of PkMV supports that the virus is, indeed, a distinct potyvirus.