Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of an adenovirus isolated from a corn snake (Elaphe guttata) imply a common origin with members of the proposed new genus Atadenovirus

J Gen Virol. 2002 Oct;83(Pt 10):2403-2410. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-83-10-2403.

Abstract

Approximately 60% of the genome of an adenovirus isolated from a corn snake (Elaphe guttata) was cloned and sequenced. The results of homology searches showed that the genes of the corn snake adenovirus (SnAdV-1) were closest to their counterparts in members of the recently proposed new genus ATADENOVIRUS: In phylogenetic analyses of the complete hexon and protease genes, SnAdV-1 indeed clustered together with the atadenoviruses. The characteristic features in the genome organization of SnAdV-1 included the presence of a gene homologous to that for protein p32K, the lack of structural proteins V and IX and the absence of homologues of the E1A and E3 regions. These characteristics are in accordance with the genus-defining markers of atadenoviruses. Comparison of the cleavage sites of the viral protease in core protein pVII also confirmed SnAdV-1 as a candidate member of the genus ATADENOVIRUS: Thus, the hypothesis on the possible reptilian origin of atadenoviruses (Harrach, Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 48, 484-490, 2000) seems to be supported. However, the base composition of DNA sequence (>18 kb) determined from the SnAdV-1 genome showed an equilibrated GC content of 51%, which is unusual for an atadenovirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / classification
  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Adenoviridae / isolation & purification
  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins / genetics
  • Adenovirus E3 Proteins / genetics
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Capsid / genetics
  • Capsid / metabolism
  • Capsid Proteins*
  • Colubridae / virology*
  • DNA, Viral
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Viral Core Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Adenovirus E1A Proteins
  • Adenovirus E3 Proteins
  • Capsid Proteins
  • DNA, Viral
  • Viral Core Proteins
  • hexon capsid protein, Adenovirus
  • polypeptide VI, adenovirus
  • Endopeptidases

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY082603