title: Genome re-arrangements associated with loss of pathogenicity of the gamma-herpesvirus alcelaphine herpesvirus-1.
abstract: The alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) causes malignant catarrhal fever in ruminants. Previous work had shown that serial passage of AlHV-1 in culture resulted in genome alterations that are associated with a loss in pathogenicity. Here we have analysed the re-arrangements that occur in more detail. None of the observed re-arrangements was entirely consistent. However, they did all involve translocation of a similar region of DNA from around the centre of the genome to areas either next to or in between terminal repeat elements at either end of the genome. There was also a concomitant loss of the wild-type locus. These re-arrangements appeared to be associated with the loss of virulence and the appearance of cell-free virus.
authors.affiliation: The Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Ireri
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pow
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Haig
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002417:Cattle; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002999:Clone Cells; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D018142:Gammaherpesvirinae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D016679:Genome, Viral; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral