title: Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 23.8 kbp from the left terminus of the genome of variola major virus strain India-1967.
abstract: Sequencing and computer analysis of the nucleotide sequence of variola major virus strain India-1967 (VAR-IND) DNA segment (23 786 bp) covering the left variable region of the viral genome has been carried out. Twenty-nine potential open reading frames were identified. Structure-function organization of the VAR-IND DNA segment was compared with previously reported sequences from analogous genome regions of vaccinia virus strains Copenhagen (VAC-COP) and Western Reserve (VAC-WR). Multiple structural differences between the VAR-IND and genome regions were analysed and both VAC-COP and VAC-WR have been found. Possible molecular factors of virulence, virus host range genes as well as differences revealed in the structure of these genes of VAR and VAC will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk region, Russia.
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Shchelkunov
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Totmenin
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Sandakhchiev
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D004279:DNA, Viral; D016679:Genome, Viral; D007194:India; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016366:Open Reading Frames; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D012901:Variola virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral