Permutation of the active site of putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in a newly identified species of plant alpha-like virus.

Full Abstract

To direct the genome synthesis, RNA viruses without a DNA stage in the replication cycle use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). All RdRps have conserved right hand-like shape that includes characteristic A-->B-->C sequence motifs forming the active site. Recently, the structural permutation of the RdRp active site (C-->A-->B) has been described in few double-stranded RNA birnaviruses and a subset of positive-stranded RNA tetraviruses distantly related to Picorna-like viruses. Here we describe a permuted RdRp in the newly identified plant alpha-like virus with 6.5 kb-long polyadenylated genome, dubbed Grapevine virus Q (GVQ). The multi-domain layout and sequence similarities place GVQ into the genus Marafivirus of the family Tymoviridae. In contrast to other tymovirids, GVQ has 21 amino acid residues corresponding to the motif C relocated upstream of the motif A in the putative RdRp. This unique sequence characteristic was extensively verified and identified in several GVQ isolates infecting wild and cultivated Vitis and Rubus spp.

Author information

Author/s: Sabanadzovic, Sead (S); Ghanem-Sabanadzovic, Nina Abou (NA); Gorbalenya, Alexander E (AE);

Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA. ss501(-atsign-)msstate.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Virology (Virology), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Nov; vol 394 (issue 1) : pp 1-7

Dates: Created 2009/10/26; Completed 2009/11/05;

PMID: 19793602, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/5/2009, IMS Date: )

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