Rift Valley Fever Virus: Molecular Biologic Studies of the M Segment RNA(Ribonucleic Acids) for Application in Disease Prevention
Abstract
The molecular and biologic properties of the M segment RNA of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) were studied, with focus on elucidation of the expression strategy of this molecule. The results indicate the expression strategy of the RVFV M segment is surprisingly complex. Expression of the full complement of M segment proteins involves multiple translational initiation events giving rise to primary translation products which are co-translationally processed to yield the mature proteins. The first ATG codon of the single ORF is required for production of the 78kd protein. Independent translational initiation at the second in-phase ATG codon yields the 14kd protein. Biogenesis of glycoprotein G2 is dependent on translation start sites within the preglycoprotein region, but does not involve use of the first ATG codon of the ORF. Production of glycoprotein G1 appears to be largely independent of all ATG codons that precede the mature glycoprotein coding sequences. The two-site translational initiation strategy employed for the expression of the 78kd and 14kd proteins serves to control glycosylation and proteolytic processing of the resultant polypeptides. Recombinant RVFV-vaccinia viruses were used to define protein determinants responsible to eliciting protective immunity in animals. The importance of the carboxy-terminal portion of glycoprotein G2 was demonstrated. Keywords: Recombinant DNA; Rift valley fever virus; M segment; Expression strategy; Recombinant vaccinia virus; Animal immunization and protection; RAI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA206462
Entities
People
- Marc S. Collett