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A conserved, precise RNA encapsidation pattern in Tobamovirus particles

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Summary

The bidirectional RNA encapsidation pathway in nine sequenced Type 1 Tobamovirus genomes will result in RNA-coat protein assembly, up to and including the first transcribed G, adjacent to the 5′-cap structure (m7 Gppp). This precision is highly conserved, despite wide interstrain variations in the absolute position of the phase-determining core of the origin-of-assembly sequence (Gxx)n and in overall genome length (6311–6507 nts). A Type 2 Tobamovirus genome did not comply with this pattern. All genomes had a statistically significant bias for G at every third (or 3n) position, resulting in a preponderance ofGNN codons and hence a high Val, Ala, Gly, Asp, Glu content, at least in the large (126/183 kDa) and amino-coterminal replicase protein genes. Contrary to predictions from the X-ray fibre diffraction structure of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV, U1 strain), only one (pepper mild mottle virus) of the nine Type 1 Tobamoviruses positioned the preferred G-repeat in the most favourable (5′) position of the trinucleotide binding site on each coat protein (CP) subunit. In all but one of the eight remaining Type 1 Tobamovirus genomes, G would predominate in the CP 3′-site. The significance of these observations for TMV particle assembly, disassembly and host cell interactions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Virology, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, U.K.

    T. M. A. Wilson

  2. Scottish Agricultural Statistics Service, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, U.K.

    J. W. McNicol

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  1. T. M. A. Wilson
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Wilson, T.M.A., McNicol, J.W. A conserved, precise RNA encapsidation pattern in Tobamovirus particles. Archives of Virology 140, 1677–1685 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01322541

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01322541

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