Exploration of sequence space as the basis of viral RNA genome segmentation
Abstract
The molecular basis of a drastic evolutionary change, akin to RNA genome segmentation, previously observed with foot-and-mouth disease virus was unknown. Here we report that point mutations that accumulated in the genome during replication permitted the transition toward genome segmentation. This effect of mutations has been shown by placing the deletions in the sequence context of the parental and evolved RNAs and quantifying protein expression and infectious progeny production. The results document that an extensive exploration of sequence space was required prior to this multifactorial evolutionary transition. An unsegmented viral genome can reach a point in sequence space at which a different genomic organization is favored. The observation underlines the value of quasi-species dynamics as a factor in the emergence of viral genomes.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1323136111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.6678M